Pakistan 'vital in war on terror'

Mr Aziz said the issue of Kashmir will not be abandoned

The Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the country's future rested on defeating terrorism.

Mr Aziz was speaking at a flag-raising ceremony in Islamabad on the occasion of Pakistan's 59th Independence Day.

He also said that the country had a "vital role in the international war against terrorism".

Last week Pakistan helped British and US intelligence agencies foil an alleged plot to blow up US-bound passenger planes from London.

'Peace and democracy'

Mr Aziz also said Pakistan would promote peace in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's role in the "war on terror" has drawn some criticism at home

"We will continue our support for promotion of peace and democracy in Afghanistan."

Mr Aziz also assured Kashmiris that the on-going peace process with neighbouring India does not imply that the cause of Kashmir will be abandoned.

"I assure Kashmiri elders, brothers and sisters that Pakistan will support them politically, diplomatically and morally until they get their rights."

In 2004, Pakistan and India began a peace process that led to improved relations between the two countries. But little progress has been made on the Kashmir issue, which is the core issue between the two rivals.

Late on Sunday, President General Pervez Musharraf said in a speech that Pakistan would not be threatened.

"We are a strong nation and nobody dares threaten or coerce us."

Pakistan won freedom from British rule on 14 August 1947, a minute before its neighbour, India.