NATIONAL UNITY IN RESPONSE TO INDIAN NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS IS THE DIRE NEED OF THE TIME --- ALTAF HUSSAIN

TOTAL CO-OPERATION WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE ARMED FORCES AND THE GOVERNMENT.

INTERNATIONAL POWERS MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE NOTICE OF INDIAN NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS.

London--- 12 May 1998

Mr Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) strongly condemned the Indian nuclear explosions and declared these explosions as a serious threat to the security of the region. In his press statement he said a demonstration of the national unity is the need of the time in the wake of the Indian nuclear explosions.

Mr Altaf Hussain further said that this aggressive act of India has created a power imbalance in Asia but particularly in the South Asia and therefore every country has to take effective steps for the defence of their countries.

Mr Altaf Hussain stated that the nuclear explosions of India has now justified Pakistan in becoming a nuclear power and no one should make noises against Pakistan for its scientific and technological research and making items suitable for her defence.

Mr Altaf Hussain categorically stated that Pakistan has not only pursued the policies of non-proliferation but has truly opposed the nuclear build up. He emphasised that Pakistan does not only desired peace in the region but belived in settling the bilateral issues through negotiations. But the nuclear explosions of India has exposed its expansionist and aggressive objectives and, therefore, Pakistan has attained rights to take all the measures necessary for her defence.

Mr Altaf Hussain further added the International Powers must take immediate notice of the nuclear explosions of India and he further said that Pakistan should not accept any pressures or threats of economic sanctions by the international powers.

Mr Altaf Hussain, in his statement, assured his total co-operation and offered his help to the Government and the Armed Forces in the interest of the national security. Finally he said, that not only he extends his unconditional support to the Government and the Armed Forces but ready to make any sacrifices for the defence and the national security of the country.