Caretaker Information Minister Nisar Memon has termed the extensive coverage of the vulnerability of Pakistan’s nuclear assets in the western media as “international terrorism”, adding that “no interference” would be tolerated. “We take this international terrorism very seriously,” Memon told journalists here, adding that all “steps are taken to protect the country’s nuclear assets”. | He said no interference, even if it comes from a “powerful friend,” would be tolerated with regards to guarding the country’s national assets. |
Three people: “I think three people have had a key role in shaping our nuclear programme. The first man is Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the second is Nawaz Sharif and third is President Pervez Musharraf, who devised a command and control structure for the nuclear weapons’ safety,” the minister said.
Memon said Pakistan was facing two types of international terrorism. “The first is the kind we see in Swat or Waziristan. The second, however, is what we call propaganda about our nuclear programme.
| "Certain things are being said that we cannot allow to continue,” he added. |
Regarding US and Saudi envoysÂ’ increased presence in pre-poll-linked activities, he said any diplomat going beyond diplomatic norms would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
| He denied an impression given by a journalist that the Saudi ambassador was “behaving like a viceroy”. |
Memon said Afghans, Chechens and Uzbek militants were involved in Swat and people from southern Punjab also took part in the violence. He also said that elections would take place as scheduled, regardless of whether the opposition boycotts.