Pakistan would maintain minimum deterrence in conventional and non-conventional defence fields, President Pervez Musharraf [Images] said, even as the army top brass approved a 15-year modernisation plan for the forces.

"Balance of power is a pre-requisite for peace and it is achieved through strength while weakness invites aggression, hence conventional and non-conventional deterrence will be maintained," he told the 59th Formation Commanders' Conference of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi Tuesday. He vowed to utilise all available resources to make country's defence stronger.

Pakistan would continue to contribute positively to peace and harmony in the region keeping in view its geo-strategic location, Musharraf said, adding, "with a progressive approach to develop its potential, Pakistan can play a significant role and become an important economic hub and an energy corridor."

He appreciated the army's high state of operational preparedness and training efficiency and vigilance while also carrying out tasks like combating terrorism, disaster management and internal security duties.

The commanders approved a 15-year plan for modernisation of army and stressed formulation of a viable policy for crisis management to combat natural disasters in the light of experience of the October 8 catastrophe.

A national level disaster management policy for dealing with natural disasters was also stressed, dividing the country in various zones to facilitate easy management of any occurring calamity, with centres for each zone.

These centres would impart training to graduates,  government officials and volunteers to deal with such disasters.