Ambassador Qazi visits Boston

WASHINGTON, Apr 2 (APP)- Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi has said the conditional pardon to Dr. A. Q. Khan was the appropriate thing to do, once he made unreserved confessions before the nation about his network having indulged in leakage of nuclear know-how.

Dr. A. Q. Khan, he said has been a national hero, who helped give Pakistan nuclear capability.

In a lecture on Pakistan at the World American Council (WAC), Mr. Qazi said Pakistan government had nothing to do with the activities of the Khan network, and it has extended cooperation to the IAEA in sharing of information relating to the Khan international network.

Speaking before faculty students in Boston, he detailed the various aspects of Pakistan-U.S. relationship, and said it was growing and consolidating to the mutual advantage of the two countries.

At the WAC, he received a standing ovation.In respect of the fight against terrorism, he said Pakistan is committed to it since it was in its own interest to root out the menace of terrorism and extremism.

Of the efforts underway to have peace and normalcy in South Asia, he said the peace process was a welcome sign and India has committed to address the Kashmir issue, which had been adversely affecting relations between the two countries.

"Pakistan looks forward to continuation of the peace process with India."

The Dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy held a dinner for Mr. Qazi, which was attended by a large number of members of the Pakistani-American community. The welcome address, on the occasion was read by Riazuddin.

He also appeared in the Boston FM Radio, and the National Public Radio in its program called 'connection,' for over an hour,during which he spoke on peace with India, Pakistan-U.S. relations,non-proliferation and ongoing war on terror.

Sir Barry Hoffman, honorary consul general, in Boston said "Ambassador Qazi was received well by the audience, and superb in projecting Pakistan during the two-day speaking visit."

"While at the World American Council, Mr. Qazi made a lot of friends," he added.

Fletcher School is a higher learning institution for foreign service graduates.

Mr. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, during his stay in Boston, also held a meeting with Cam Kerry, brother of John F. Kerry, the presidential candidate of the Democrat party. The one-on-one meeting lasted over one hour.