Pakistan-declared nuclear state, no question of roll back: Ambassador Qazi

WASHINGTON, Mar 29 (APP)- Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi has said Pakistan is a declared nuclear state and there is no question of roll back.

The claim by opponents, in this behalf, he said is based on their own whims and has nothing to do with reality.

The Pakistan Ambassador emphasized this during his address to the Pakistani-American community in San Francisco.

The Government of Pakistan, he said has handled the issue of Khan network- revelations of leakage of nuclear knowhow- in a wise and bold manner, and the Bush Administration has appreciated Pakistan's committed and principled conduct.

Mr. Qazi said Pakistan remains committed to non-proliferation and it had nothing to do with the clandestine activities of the Khan network.

He said the multi-year U.S.-Pakistan relations were destined to consolidate further in the time ahead, and the aspect of trade and commerce was a new positive dimension added to this mutually-beneficial relationship.

On the war on terror, he said Pakistan is a frontline state whose cooperation in the fight against terrorism has been immensely appreciable. It was a country, whose role was crucial- and, which had suffered more casualties than any other ally in the global war against terrorism.

He categorically said that it was in Pakistan's best interest to eliminate terrorism and extremism from the society.

"Pakistan has forcefully confronted al-Qaeda from its territory, and the world community has duly acknowledged the committed role being played by Pakistan, in this respect," he said adding, Secretary Colin Powell, Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz have time and again appreciated Pakistan's singular role.

About Pakistan-India dialogue process, he said Pakistan isserious about it and wants resolution of matters by peaceful means,peace and stability in South Asia. He expressed the hope that India would also continue to reciprocate the same seriousness and sincerity for resolution of issues, including Kashmir.

He referred to the sentiments expressed by Pakistanis in the ongoing Pakistan-India cricket series, which shows desire of the two peoples to have peaceful relations with India based on equality.

During the Pakistan Day reception, he said among those attending were Indian ambassador Lalit Mansingh, who told him that India has won one-dayers, to which, "I told him- watch out for the test matches which have just begun."

He said expansion of trade, commerce, transportation and sports relations was also a positive sign, but it was imperative to resolve the pending issues amicably, so as to give a lasting shape to improvement of bilateral relations.

Of the economic improvement in Pakistan, he said all macro-economic indicators showed positive signs, as these have touched sound footings. On the other hand, the debt relief has made it possible for the Government to concentrate on public sector development, and ensure better of provision of education, health andsocial uplift.

The Pakistan Ambassador to the United States called upon thecommunity members to join the mainstream of the American society and take part in social service and become involved in substantive interaction.

Mr. Qazi was in San Francisco to address a local chapter of Developments in Literacy (DIL), an organization that supports education in remote villages of Pakistan. It's headed by Sara Abbasi. He impressed the need for giving utmost attention to education of the girl child.

During his stay in San Francisco, Mr. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi gave interviews to Pakistan Link, Jaiza.com and the Indian West.

The 'jaiza.com' is an internet magazine launched by spirited youngster Pakistani-Americans, who prepare standard programs and sell to local television channels.

He also visited the University of California, Berkley.