President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday that Pakistan is a 'great power' that will make no compromise on its sovereignty. The president's comments came amid a spike in US drone attacks in the Tribal Areas and rising tensions with India along the border in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks. On Wednesday, the Pakistan Air Force continued its state of high alert and started aerial surveillance of the Chashma power plant and other sensitive sites. Reports have hinted at a possible Indian attack on Pakistan, with an Indian deadline for Pakistan to crack down on terrorists coming to an end on December 26. Indian leaders have been blaming Pakistan for the Mumbai attacks.
Addressing the annual parents' day of Cadet College Petaro (CCP), Zardari said that freedom was the country's ideology, and the nation would never make a compromise on the sovereignty of Pakistan. "We will defend the country till our last breath," he said.
He said that the country was passing through a critical phase, and a better education system could guarantee better and stronger democratic norms. He vowed to live up to the expectations of the masses, overcome the current crisis and progress democracy in the country.
The president -- himself a CCP cadet -- announced a Rs 100 million grant for development work at the college. He also announced a Rs 5 million personal donation for the college, and a month's bonus salary for the faculty. Zardari also praised the training procedures of the cadets at the college.
The president awarded medals and certificates to cadets with outstanding achievements.
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza and Sindh Minister Murad Ali Shah also attended the CCP parents' day.