Pakistan doesn't have hegemonistic designs: Gilani

Karachi, Feb 8 (IANS) Pakistan doesn't have any hegemonistic designs and does not want to engage in an arms race with any country but would fulfil all the needs of its armed forces, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Monday.

"Our strategic as well as conventional capabilities are focused towards legitimate defence needs and the promotion of peace. To this end we will equip our armed forces accordingly, regardless of economic hardships," he said at the induction ceremony of the Chinese-built frigate, PNS Shamsheer, here.

"I am confident that the men in uniform have the will and skills to optimally utilize the resources provided for defense of the motherland as well as fulfil international commitments for stability and security," Online news agency quoted the prime minister as saying.

Gilani also appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Navy "that is maintaining guard not only in our part of Arabian Sea but even beyond to the coast of Africa through which the vital shipping lanes that are jugular vein of global economy pass".

Speaking about Pakistan's growing ties with China, the prime minister said:  "The unique characteristics of this relationship have been that it is based on the principle of non-interference in each others internal affairs and it is not directed against any country."

"These mutually respected principles...have combined to strengthen our relations, which has helped ensure stability and equilibrium in our region for the past six decades," Gilani noted.

PNS Shamsheer is one of four frigates that Pakistan has ordered from China. The first, PNS Zulfikar, was delivered in July 2009, while the third is undergoing sea trials. The fourth vessel is being constructed under license at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).

The $750 million contract for the vessels that was signed in April 2006, also includes 4-6 Harbin Z-9EC anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

The frigate's primary surface-to-surface missile armament comprises eight C-802 subsonic anti-ship missiles carried in two launchers with four cells each, fitted between the main deck and hangar. These containers are also compatible with the CY series anti-submarine rockets and may be loaded with a combination of anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons.

Gilani also noted that the construction of the fourth frigate in Pakistan "involves up-gradation of Karachi shipyard. This would also result in reviving the shipbuilding industry that will eventually contribute towards the overall economic growth of Pakistan", he added.