Don't derail democracy: Pakistan PM

"The forces of doom and gloom thrive in an environment of chaos, uncertainty and instability. We need to guard against all the forces who are out to derail the system assiduously put in place after a protracted struggle," Ashraf was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

"For a country to be able to protect its national security, it is incumbent that every institution works within the constitutional ambit," the prime minister said.

On the issue of dialogue with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Ashraf called for preparing a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the terror outfit.

"We have to redesign and redefine our military doctrine to achieve this objective," he said.

Reminding the army of the importance of political support to its operations, he said: "No military action can succeed alone. Political will and support of the people are critical to its success."

Stressing that Pakistan was facing threats from "non-state actors" who were targeting the state's symbols and institutions to impose their agenda, the prime minister said: "It is an enemy which is nameless and faceless."

He said parliament was the "mother of all institutions, repository of people's aspirations and custodian of national interests".

"We are living in a world undergoing dynamic changes where traditional notions of security and sovereignty are being constantly redefined," he added.