No compromise on nuclear assets: Ch. Shujaat Hussain

LAHORE: Nukes are national asset and the nation will not accept any compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear programme at any cost, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Shujaat Hussain said on Friday.

Talking to reporters during his visit to the residence of martyred Major Abid Majeed who laid down his life during the military operation in Swat, he said, “The nation can endure poverty and hunger but cannot tolerate any compromise on nuclear assets.” According to APP news agency, he said protection of atomic arsenal was the responsibility of every Pakistani, and any condition jeopardising nuclear assets would not be accepted even if an aid of $100 billion was offered.

He said the government and its allied parties should clear their position in this regard and tell the United States categorically that Pakistan’s nuclear programme was completely secure.

Regarding the Swat situation, Shujaat said the country was passing through a critical juncture, and all parties should set aside their political differences and unite for the country. He said those not supporting the military offensive against the Taliban lacked national thinking, Online reported. He said the PML-Q would announce its strategy with regards to the Swat operation later.

Shujaat said the internally displaced persons (IDPs) were unfortunately facing a shortage of food. He said they should not be called refugees because they were living in their own country. He urged the nation to help the IDPs whole-heartedly because they had sacrificed for Pakistan’s better future. Our priority should be national interest instead of personal gains, he said, adding that we could overcome the current crises through joint efforts.

He said he had proposed to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to call an all-parties conference on the Balochistan issue.