Pakistan's Vice-chief of Army Staff Gen Mohammad Yusuf  Khan on Monday said Kashmir will remain an 'inseparable' part of Pakistan's national policy and a key component of Islamabad's overall strategy despite international pressure.
 
Addressing a gathering at the Naval War College in Lahore, Gen Khan welcomed the offer of talks by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but asked the Pakistan military not to lower its guard.

"We ought to be very clear that the only guarantee for peace is our preparedness for war," he was quoted as saying by the official APP news agency.

"We must be able to deter aggression and defend land frontiers of Pakistan. However, in case deterrence fails, we have to maintain a strong defensive capability to absorb enemy's offensive, inflict serious attrition, and embroil enemy's committed forces.
   
"We also have to have credible offensive capability not only to retain strategic options, but also for ending the war on a favourable note," he said adding that Pakistan needed to step up its indigenous defence production.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 3 Sub: Kashmir part of AK policy Thanks to our prime minster for Talking to member of G8 summit on kashmir issue, is a good thing but we always take this issue ... Posted by sagarmahajan Sub: khan joker khan buddy who has given u such a key position........i am sure it might be one more stupid musharaf dude ........forget about ur dreams......i remember ... Posted by sriramkuppa Sub: Kashmir part of Pak policy I read the statements of Pakistani Vice Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Mohammad Yusuf Khan, about Kashmir being a very important issue in any negotiations ... Posted by Nelson Lewis