04 August 2004	Wednesday	17 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday categorically stated that Pakistan's nuclear programme would not be rolled back, as it guaranteed the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country.

He stated this while addressing a lager number of the ex- servicemen from Hassanabdal and Fatehjang of District Attock who called on the minister here at the Punjab House. Brig (Retd) Talat Saeed, Maj (R) Mohammad Yasin, Irfan Nawazish, Capt (R) Muneer, Capt (R) Hameed and Omar Ayub Khan MNA also spoke on the occasion.

"We will never roll back the country's nuclear programme instead it will further be augmented to strengthen the defence of the motherland", Mr Aziz said. He said: "We are ready to offer even more sacrifices so that our enemy could not cast an evil eye towards our country and its solidarity".

"We want to make defence and economy of the country even stronger and efforts will be made to achieve this objective", he remarked. Mr Aziz said that government will make efforts for the provision of speedy justice to the people and improve their living conditions.

Mr Aziz said that when he took over the charge of finance minister, some five years ago the national kitty was empty. He informed them that there was no money even to pay the import bill for oil and to pay salaries of the employees.

Pakistan's economy and defence is now stronger than ever and Pakistani nation and its valiant troops have the courage and capability to thwart any aggression from the enemy, he said.

He said government is taking several steps to enhance agricultural productivity, uplift of education, health sectors and to improve the living standard of the people especially the common man.

He assured the delegation that their problems would be resolved on priority basis keeping in view of their services to the defence of the motherland. He also assured them that after being elected, it would be his first priority to take steps for solving the problems of the area.

Omar Ayub Khan appreciated the services of Shaukat Aziz for cause of Pakistan and improving its economy. He reminded that when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced "Debt retirement scheme" soon after Pakistan went nuclear in 1998, Shaukat Aziz donated highest amount of US $ one million as an overseas Pakistani in the scheme. He also donated US $ 100,000 to National Commission for Human Development Fund. -APP