Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on Thursday that Pakistan is a sovereign state and the people of Pakistan under a democratic dispensation, supported by the Army, are capable of handling the present crisis in their own national interest, report said. This he said while addressing 118th Corps Commanders Conference at General Headquarters, The conference was a part of regular monthly meeting. The COAS said present security situation requires that all elements of national power should work in close harmony to fight the menace of terrorism and extremism. The participants were given a comprehensive briefing on prevailing security situation in the region. The matters of operational preparedness and professional interest were also discussed in the meeting.