Pakistan a declared nuclear state: Qazi

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 regard, he said, "is based on their own whims and has nothing to do with reality."
The ambassador said this in his address to the Pakistani-American community in San Francisco.
The Government of Pakistan, he said has handled the issue of Khan network revelations in a wise and bold manner, and the Bush Administration has appreciated Pakistan's committed and principled conduct.
Qazi said: "Pakistan remains committed to non-proliferation and it has nothing to do with the clandestine activities of the Khan network."
He said the multiyear Pak-US 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 benefited relationship.
About the war on terror, he said, "Pakistan is a frontline state whose co-operation 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," he said, adding, "Secretary Colin Powell, Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Assistant Secretary of Defence Paul Wolfowitz have appreciated Pakistan's singular role."
INDO-PAK DIALOGUE: About Pakistan-India dialogue process, he said: "Pakistan is serious about it and wants resolution of matters through peaceful means and stability in South Asia."
He expressed the hope that India would also continue to reciprocate the same seriousness and sincerity for the resolution of issues, including Kashmir.
He referred to the sentiments expressed by Pakistanis during the ongoing Pakistan-India cricket series, which shows desire of the two peoples to have peaceful relations based on equality.
He said during the Pakistan Day reception, the Indian ambassador Lalit Mansingh told him that India has won one-dayers, to which he replied, "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 the improvement of bilateral relations.
ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT: 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 provision of education, health and social uplift.
The Pakistan ambassador to the United States called upon the community members to join the mainstream of the American society and take part in social service and become involved in substantive interaction.
Qazi was in San Francisco to address a local chapter of Developments in Literacy (DIL), an organisation that supports education in remote villages of Pakistan. It is headed by Sara Abbasi. He impressed the need for giving utmost attention to education of the girl child.
During his stay in San Francisco, 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 programmes and sell to local television channels.
He also visited the University of California, Berkley.