Pak will respond immediately if India strikes: Kayani

The armed forces were 8220;fully prepared to meet any 8220;eventuality8221; and the 8220;men are ready to make a sacrifice for their country8221;, Kayani was quoted as saying by pro-establishment 8216;The News8217; daily.

The report also quoted the army chief as saying that Pakistan would respond 8220;within minutes8221; in the event of surgical strikes by India.

The report further stated that the 8220;crux of the meeting8221; between Zardari and Kayani 8220;was that any further buckling under mounting Indian pressure would prove counter-productive in the sense that it would further encourage New Delhi to further build up pressure on Islamabad8221;.

The two leaders met hours after the Pakistan Air Force enhanced its vigilance and warplanes conducted sorties over key cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Speaking in Karachi, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani too said the nation would stand united in the event of any aggression 8220;on the eastern border8221;.

During a meeting last night with the visiting US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, Kayani said Pakistan reserved the right to defend itself in case of any aggression from India, Dawn News channel reported.