The Pakistan government will maintain a minimum credible deterrence and modernise the armed forces to overcome internal and external challenges, Defence Minister Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar said on Tuesday.

In a meeting with army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Mukhtar said it was the new government's policy to maintain a minimum credible deterrence, which is essential for safeguarding national frontiers.

The government will continue to modernise the armed forces and strengthen their capabilities to overcome internal and external challenges, he said.

Kayani informed Mukhtar about the requirements, future development plans and operational preparedness of the armed forces. The minister said the government was well aware of the requirements of the military and would take all necessary steps to fulfil its needs and to strengthen defence capabilities.

Mukhtar appreciated the steps taken by the army chief for the welfare of soldiers.

He said the government will provide all necessary resources for steps initiated by Kayani for the welfare of soldiers, including declaring 2008 as the "year of the soldier".