Pakistan is responsible nuclear state: Sharif

Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful nuclear power but will protect its sovereignty and security at all cost, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said today amid border tensions with India.
"Undoubtedly Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful nuclear power. Though, we are fully aware of the conspiracies and tactics of the enemies, we desire to have good and peaceful relations with all our neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality," Sharif said in his message on the Defence Day celebrated all over Pakistan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of 1965 war with India.
"I wish to make it clear that we will protect the sovereignty and security of Pakistan at all cost," he said.

He said the Defence Day of Pakistan reminds of the unflinching resolve, determination, courage and bravery of the Pakistani nation.
"Today we are celebrating the golden jubilee of those memorable events, when our brave armed forces not only successfully defended its frontiers but also thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy," he said, without specifying anyone.
"Our brave officers and soldiers following the footprint of their glorious past continue to successfully defend the country from internal and external threats," he said.

Sharif said the armed forces of Pakistan, besides keeping a vigil on the air, sea and land frontiers, have also played an unprecedented role in addressing internal issues, like terrorism.

He said that the Pakistani nation, the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies are determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Pakistan and India in recent weeks have blamed each other for ceasefire violation along the Line of Control.
Pakistani troops today resorted to firing on Indian positions in the frontier district of Poonch, taking the number of violations to seven this month.
The latest ceasefire violation comes in the backdrop of reports that India and Pakistan would be holding five-day Director General-level talks between their border guarding forces from September 9.
Ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir, including sniper attacks, infiltration, intrusion in Rann of Kutch and smuggling are among the key issues India is expected to raise with Pakistan during the talks.