Pak has no aggressive designs against anyone: Gilani

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had said Pakistan had "no aggressive designs against anyone" even as combat aircraft conducted a massive firepower demonstration that was witnessed by the country's top civil and military leadership.

"While we strive for peace with honour in a stable environment, I wish to assure all countries in the region that we are a peace loving nation, with no aggressive designs against anyone," Gilani said in an apparent reference to India on Tuesday.

He was speaking after the firepower drill at Thal range in Punjab province.

The firepower demonstration, part of the Pakistan Air Force's High Mark 2010 exercise, is aimed at testing Pakistan's defensive capabilities and validating joint operational concepts, Gilani said.

The drill marked the completion of the first phase of the air force exercise. Gilani said it was "heartening" that the PAF undertook such a major exercise despite its commitment to ongoing counter-terrorist operations.

Pakistan is passing through "turbulent times", he remarked.

The region has witnessed "numerous destabilising events" that have transformed the global and regional security environment, he said.

"I am well aware of the multifaceted challenges faced by our nation while we move ahead to provide solutions. The high state of preparedness of our armed forces strengthens our national resolve and confidence," Gilani said.

The firepower demonstration in the sand dunes of Thal featured aircraft like F-16s, JF-17 Thunders, Mirages and F-7s.

The jets carried out bombing runs to hit mock targets depicting runways, radar sites, air defence batteries and other infrastructure.

Two Mirage jets showcased the PAFs recently acquired aerial refuelling capability using the Il-78 refuelling aircraft.

Two F-16s dropped 2,000-pound bombs at a target while four JF-17 jets attacked a mock militant hideout. PAF's Special Service Wing, a commando force, demonstrated the targeting of a terrorist hideout and rescue of hostages in conjunction with the Special Services Group of the army.

The PAF also showcased its new SAAB 2000 aircraft equipped with the airborne early warning and control system capable of detecting targets 450 km away.