Islamabad, March 2, SPA -- Pakistan's Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Wednesday the hike in Indian defense budget for 2005-06 can start an arms race in the region. Giving his reaction on the increase in Indian military spending to the tune of Rupees 60 billion, Ahmed said it was not in line with the on-going confidence building process between India and Pakistan. The minister said Pakistan has extended a hand of friendship with all sincerity and it is time to promote an environment of peace instead of sending wrong signals. Ahmed said Pakistan is fully cognizant of its defense needs and these will be fulfilled at all cost.--SPA1418 Local Time 1118 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/243647