Time to focus more on development: Kayani

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani on Wednesday said he would like to see the country spend less on defence, arguing that national security depended on development as much as on protecting borders.
The COAS accompanied President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit to Siachen to express solidarity and to monitor the search and rescue efforts which are underway at the site where Pakistan Army soldiers are buried in an avalanche.Talking to reporters at Skardu airport, General Kayani said “peaceful coexistence” with arch-rival India was vital to both countries and the welfare of the people should be a priority.
“Peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours is very important so that everybody can concentrate on the well-being of the people,” he said.
Kayani said soldiers would do their duty come what may, but defending borders should not be the country’s sole priority.“We in the army understand very well that there should be a very good balance between defence and development. You cannot be spending on defence alone and forgetting about development,” he said. “Ultimately the security of a country is not only that you secure boundaries and borders but it is when people that live in the country feel happy, their needs are being met. Only in that case will a country be truly safe.” He said national security should be a comprehensive concept. “And therefore we would like to spend less on defence, definitely,” he said. “Any country should do the same – more focus should be on the welfare of the people.”
Later, the president was given a detailed briefing by Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) Commander Major Gen Ikramul Haq about the rescue activities being carried out. The president praised the efforts that were being made by the Pakistan Army in this regard. While paying glowing tributes to the valiant soldiers, Zardari said the “entire nation is indebted to these sons of the soil and prays for them from the very core of their hearts”. He said all available resources would be utilised to expedite the operation in view of any possible snow slides due to temperature rise and that the Presidency be kept informed about the progress in the rescue operation.