LAHORE, Dec 5: Speakers at a roundtable on the fallout of Mumbai episode urged the government to implement the resolution adopted by the all parties conference (APC) and present Pakistan’s case vigorously before the international community with diplomacy.
Organised by the Pakistan Institute of National Affairs (PINA), the roundtable also asked the government to keep open the first use option of the minimum deterrence against any aggressive design, says a PINA press release.
The speakers unanimously condemned the acts of terrorism in Mumbai and appreciated the national solidarity demonstrated by the leaders of all political parties.
The roundtable was chaired by the Senator S.M. Zafar and addressed by veteran politician Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, defence analyst Lt-Gen Khalid Latif Mughal retired, PINA Secretary General Altaf Hasan Qureshee, Mrs Naheed Tahir, Prof Rao Jalil Ahmad, Prof Dr. Shafiq Jallandhri, political analyst Qayyum Nizami, Col Z.I. Farrukh retired and researcher Mateen Salahuddin.
In his presidential note, Mr. S.M. Zafar said that all efforts be made to strengthen the bonds of peace in the South Asia, and war-like situation should not be allowed to prevail.
He was of the firm view that in order to deter foreign aggression Pakistan must keep first use options open.
Lt-Gen Khalid Latif Mughal retired, analyzing the fallout of the Mumbai episode, said the US, India and Israel were bent upon destabilizing Pakistan and take control of its strategic assets. He pleaded that Pakistan must act with confidence and inner strength. He opposed the idea of sacrificing national pride and integrity at the altar of confidence-building dictates.
He endorsed the suggestion of other speakers that full attention be given to pull out forces from tribal areas and Balochistan and Taliban be taken into confidence for the defence of the country.
Hafiz Hussain Ahmad said that with the withdrawal of forces from FATA and Balochistan things would miraculously improve and infighting come to an end.
He maintained that Afghanistan was the heart of Asia and without stability and peace in that land, the whole region would suffer from anarchy.
Mr Altaf Hasan Qureshee appreciated the upsurge of national unity and urged the nation to remain united on basic issues and demonstrate mutual respect and democratic norms in the normal life.