Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan has managed to carve its niche in the comity of nations despite all the internal challenges facing it. He was addressing the gathering after the PAF kicked off its Exercise High Mark 2010 on Tuesday in Thal. He noted that the country is passing through a difficult phase; however, he added that the Pak Army and Air Force faced the challenges bravely. The first phase of the exercise is meant to test its preparedness of the force to meet the challenges in Thal area near Jhang. PM Gilani, services chiefs and the members of the defence committee of the parliament graced the inaugural ceremony of the exercise. Defence sources say that this kind of exercise is held after every five years and involves all aerial frontiers and bases from across the country, including the latest missile and firepower of the country.