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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


January 2004 Pakistan Special Weapons News

  • Pak N-scientist Khan `removed` as PM advisor IRNA 31 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani government on Saturday `removed` the founder of Pakistan`s nuclear program, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, from his position as a government adviser amid a probe into allegations of transfer of nuclear technology, officials said.
  • Pak nuclear control body says no to proliferation IRNA 31 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan`s National Command Authority has reiterated Islamabad`s strong commitment to international agreements on non-proliferation saying it would never share this technology, in whatever form, with any other country.
  • Pakistan Fires Founder of Nuclear Weapons Program VOA News 31 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan has dismissed the founder of the country's nuclear weapons program, Abdul Qadeer Khan, as a special advisor to the prime minister. The decision comes Saturday during a meeting chaired by President Pervez Musharraf.
  • Khan Not a Suspect in Nuclear Probe, says Pakistani Minister VOA 30 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan's interior minister says Abdul Qadeer Khan, the creator of the country's nuclear program, is not suspected of transferring nuclear technology to other countries. This contradicts reported statements by other, unnamed Pakistani officials.
  • Top Pakistani Scientists Had Nuclear Black Market Contacts VOA News 29 Jan 2004 -- After two months of investigations, Pakistani officials have concluded that two of the country's most senior nuclear scientists had black market contacts that supplied sensitive technology to Iran and Libya.
  • Pakistan to establish National Security Council IRNA 28 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan cabinet on Wednesday approved the formation of National Security Council (NSC), which will be composed of top military and civilian leaders.
  • Pakistan launches operation to recover missing minister IRNA 28 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan`s security forces Wednesday launched an operation in tribal areas near the Bannu District to recover the Minister for Sports and Culture of Punjab Province, reports said.
  • Pak N-program won`t be rolled back: Foreign Minister IRNA 27 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan`s Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmoo Kasuri said in categorical terms on Tuesday that the national nuclear program would never be rolled back.
  • Pakistan, India to resume stalled dialogue on Feb 16 IRNA 27 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan and India will commence composite dialogue from February 16 in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesman Masud Khan at weekly news briefing here on Tuesday.
  • Pandemonium erupts during hearing of Pak N-scientist writ petition IRNA 27 Jan 2004 -- Pandemonium erupted during the hearing of Pakistani nuclear scientists` case on Tuesday when the government lawyer blamed the nuclear scientists of accumulating money by transferring nuclear technology outside the country.
  • INDIA / PAKISTAN TALKS VOA 27 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan says bilateral talks with India to settle disputes between the nuclear-armed rivals will resume next month. The main issue straining relations involves the mountain territory of Kashmir - the cause of two wars.
  • INDIA KASHMIR PAKISTAN VOA 27 Jan 2004 -- A Kashmiri separatist leader is calling on the Indian government and Islamic militants to call a ceasefire in the troubled region - perhaps as soon as next week. The leader from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, which represents a number of separatist organizations, also wants India to let the group travel to Pakistan to meet with officials.
  • Few Pak N-scientist may have proliferated: spokesman IRNA 26 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan said Monday that a small number of nuclear scientists might have been involved in nuclear proliferation.
  • No restrictions on father of nuclear program: Pak Minister IRNA 26 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Monday denied reports that the government has restricted the movement of Pakistan`s father of nuclear program Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.
  • PAKISTAN/NUCLEAR POLITICS VOA 26 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan's government is coming under political pressure as it tries to determine whether any of its scientists gave information on nuclear weapons technology to Iran or Libya. The country's religious parties are furious over what they see as an investigation undertaken only to please the United States.
  • PAKISTAN JOURNALIST VOA 26 Jan 2004 -- Authorities in Pakistan have filed charges against a Pakistani journalist for aiding two French reporters who were convicted earlier of visiting a restricted area to videotape what they allege was a Taleban training camp. Authorities say the footage and the training camp were staged.The French journalists say that what they taped was real, and are calling for their colleague's acquittal.
  • Pakistan, Japan hold security, defense dialogue IRNA 24 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan and Japan on Saturday held their first round of security dialogue in Islamabad and shared their perspectives of regional and global, strategic and security environment.
  • Top Al-Qaeda leader killed in Pakistan in October IRNA 24 Jan 2004 -- One of the senior Al-Qaeda operatives was killed in Pakistan`s tribal areas last October, military sources said.
  • PAKISTAN / MUSHARRAF VOA 23 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan's president Pervez Musharraf has portrayed himself as a staunch ally in the fight against terrorism and a foe of religious extremism. However, a recently issued report by an independent monitoring group charges the Pakistani leader has done little to rein in hardline Islamic radicals.
  • Pakistan raises issue of embassy bugging with Britain IRNA 22 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan has taken up the issue of alleged bugging of its embassy in Britain with high-ranking British officials, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said.
  • Relatives of detained N-scientists criticise Pakistan minister IRNA 22 Jan 2004 -- Relatives of Pakistan`s detained nuclear scientists and officials on Thursday criticised Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed`s alleged remarks about the scientists asking him to "serve the interest of his nation instead of becoming the pokesman of another country".
  • `Debriefing` of N-scientists not a controversial issue: Pak PM IRNA 22 Jan 2004 -- Prime Minister of Pakistan Mir Zafarullah Jamali Thursday said his government is fulfilling its responsibility to hold `debriefing` of the nuclear scientists.
  • Heroes not allowed violating Secret Act: Pak Minister IRNA 22 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan Thursday said that those who have violated the Secret Act of the country must face the court of law, justifying `debriefing` sessions of the nuclear scientists.
  • PAKISTAN / NUCLEAR VOA 21 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan has revealed that it sent a team of investigators to Libya and Iran to look into allegations that some of the country's top nuclear scientists may have been involved in the transfer of nuclear weapons technology. Officials say Pakistan launched a probe into the proliferation issue after the International Atomic Energy Agency sent a letter warning of possible technology transfers. The Pakistani statement marks the first time the government in Islamabad has acknowledged a possible unofficial link to Libya's aborted nuclear program.
  • Pak N-scientists `debriefing` over in week: spokesman IRNA 21 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan said Wednesday `debriefing` of it nuclear scientists and administration officials will be over in about a week.
  • Pakistan/Turkey: Musharraf Visit Focuses On Antiterrorism, Economic Issues RFE/RL 20 Jan 2004 -- Turkey and Pakistan agreed today to cooperate and exchange information in the fight against international terrorism. On a visit to Ankara, Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf joined his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, at the signing of five agreements, including one that paves the way for sharing information on fighting terrorism and organized crime.
  • Pakistan: Experts Suspect Nuclear Trail From Islamabad To Iran, Libya, North Korea RFE/RL 20 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan's government denies that it authorized transfers of nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea. But under international pressure, it is promising to question individuals from its nuclear weapons program.
  • Pakistan ex-army chief says was not held for `debriefing` IRNA 20 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan`s former army chief General (retd) Mirza Aslam Beg Tuesday dismissed as `baseless and malicious` a British newspaper report that he was detained for debriefing, following debriefing of nuclear scientists.
  • Pakistani tribal elders launch operation to capture wanted men IRNA 20 Jan 2004 -- A tribal lashkar (army) in Pakistan tribal areas, bordering Afghanistan, on Tuesday launched operation against tribesmen accused of providing shelter to al-Qaeda and Taliban, reports from the area said.
  • Pakistan `debriefs` eight over N-allegations IRNA 19 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan`s Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said eight persons are being debriefed by the authorities regarding the reservations of the IAEA.
  • Pakistan to propose dates for talks with India IRNA 19 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan has decided to propose India two alternative dates - February 16 or 23 - for resumption of composite dialogue between the two countries, local press reported Monday.
  • Pakistan, Iran never cooperated in N-program: spokesman IRNA 19 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan Monday confirmed recent statements by an Iranian high-ranking official that Islamabad and Tehran have never cooperated in transfer of nuclear technology.
  • PAKISTAN/INDIA/KASHMIR VOA 19 Jan 2004 -- With the Indo-Pakistani ceasefire in Kashmir now nearly two months old, villagers in the remote mountain territory have seen their lives drastically altered for the better. Roads on the Pakistani side once closed because of Indian shelling are now open, and schools and hospitals are open again.
  • PAKISTAN/NUCLEAR VOA 19 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan says its probe into the possible proliferation of nuclear-weapons technology by its scientists is nearly complete. The investigation follows allegations that Pakistani experts may have helped Iran develop its nuclear program.
  • PAKISTAN BOMB ARRESTS VOA 19 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani police have arrested one of the country's most-wanted suspected militants. Authorities are also investigating whether the man took part in the bombing of a Bible study center last week
  • Indian, Pakistani FMs to resume dialogue next month PLA Daily 18 Jan 2004 -- The Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on Saturday telephoned his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid M. Kasuri, and resolved to go ahead with the dialogue, planned for February, Pakistani Foreign Office said.
  • PAKISTAN/AL-QAIDA ARRESTS VOA 18 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan says it has arrested seven foreign nationals suspected of links with the al-Qaida terror network.
  • PAKISTAN/MUSHARRAF VOA 17 Jan 2004 -- Against a steady drumbeat of shouts and table-thumping by opposition lawmakers, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf addressed the country's parliament for the first time Saturday, calling for a drive against extremism and support for the rights of women.
  • Pakistan: Domestic Politics, Tribal Law Complicate Hunt For Al-Qaeda RFE/RL 15 Jan 2004 -- A top expert on the Taliban and Islamic fundamentalism, author and journalist Ahmed Rashid, says Pakistan's military operations near the Afghan border appear to be the result of enormous international pressure on Islamabad to capture Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. But the hunt is complicated by domestic politics and tribal law in Pakistan
  • PAKISTAN INDIA TRAIN VOA 15 Jan 2004 -- Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have resumed cross-border passenger rail service, one day after extending a newly opened bus service between the two countries.
  • Iran denies assistance from Pakistan in N-program IRNA 14 Jan 2004 -- Visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Mohsen Aminzadeh on Wednesday denied reports that Pakistani nuclear scientists have helped in its nuclear program.
  • PAKISTAN / IRAN NUCLEAR VOA 14 Jan 2004 -- A top Iranian official says Pakistani scientists did not help his country in its bid to build nuclear weapons. The comments contradict news media suspicions of a Pakistani-Iranian connection.
  • Pakistan denies US pressure for anti-terror operation PLA Daily 13 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan Monday denied there is any pressure from the United States for launching a major operation against suspected al-Qaeda militants in the country's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
  • SAARC SUMMIT: NEW DELHI AND ISLAMABAD 'BREAK THE ICE' US Dept. of State IIP, Foreign Media Reaction 12 Jan 2004
  • No terrorists entering Pakistan from Afghanistan: Pak PM IRNA 12 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali Monday dispelled the impression that terrorists are entering Pakistan from Afghanistan and vowed not to allow Pakistani soil to be used against Afghanistan.
  • Pak tribesmen to hand over suspects sheltering al-Qaeda IRNA 12 Jan 2004 -- Tribesmen in Pakistan`s tribal region, which borders Afghanistan, assured authorities on Monday to hand over those locals who have allegedly sheltered suspected al-Qaeda suspects.
  • PAKISTAN FRENCH JOURNALISTS VOA 12 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan has released two French journalists arrested earlier for traveling to the Afghan border without permission.
  • AFGHAN / PAKISTAN MEETING VOA 12 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan's prime minister, Zafarullah Jamali, has concluded a trip to Afghanistan, where his talks focused on increasing cooperation in the fight against terrorism and strengthening economic and political ties between the neighboring countries.
  • PAKISTAN / ASSASSINATION ARREST VOA 12 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani officials say they have detained a police officer in connection with the Christmas Day assassination attempt on President Pervez Musharraf.
  • INDIA AND PAKISTAN VOA 12 Jan 2004 -- Nuclear rivals India and Pakistan have agreed to restart peace talks on Kashmir and other bilateral issues next month -- after a break of more than two years. During a regional meeting last week in Pakistan's capital city Islamabad, leaders from the two nations both affirmed a commitment to begin what they called a peace process.
  • Pak general urges India prove `sincerity`, halt LoC fencing IRNA 11 Jan 2004 -- A high-ranking military official of Pakistan on Sunday called India to prove `sincerity` and stop fencing of the Line of Control, dividing the two parts of Kashmir region.
  • Pak tribal elders back military`s anti-Taliban, al-Qaeda drive IRNA 11 Jan 2004 -- Tribal elders in Pakistan`s tribal area, bordering Afghanistan, where the Pakistan Army is busy in operation against Taliban and al-Qaeda suspects, reports from the area said.
  • PAKISTAN / TERRORISM FUNDS VOA 11 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan is moving to toughen laws against the financing of terrorist groups, setting stricter punishments and banking regulations.
  • Pakistan raises punishment for terrorism financing IRNA 10 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan on Saturday approved amendments to the Anti Terrorist Act 1997, in the light of UN Security Council resolutions, raising the minimum and maximum punishment for offenses relating to financing of terrorism and making it a non-bailable offense, an official statement said.
  • PAKISTAN /FRENCH JOURNALISTS VOA 10 Jan 2004 -- A Pakistan court has sentenced two French journalists to six months in prison for traveling to the Afghan border without permission, but the sentence was suspended pending an appeal.
  • Armitage Praises Indian-Pakistani Peace Initiative Washington File 09 Jan 2004 -- Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said the political courage and statesmanship of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf have brought about the peace initiative between India and Pakistan.
  • Rocket hits Pak army camp, kills 4 soldiers: Spokesman IRNA 09 Jan 2004 -- At least four Pakistani troops were killed on Friday when a rocket hit their camp in tribal area, bordering Afghanistan, where the Pakistan army launched operation against al-Qaeda suspects on Wednesday night, a military spokesman said.
  • TARGETING MUSHARRAF: 'ISLAMIC RADICALS' SEEK TO DESTABILIZE PAKISTAN US Dept. of State IIP, Foreign Media Reaction 08 Jan 2004
  • Pak President rules out secret deal on Kashmir IRNA 08 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf assured Kashmiri leaders on Thursday that there would be no secret deal on Kashmir and that there is no solution under consideration which is contrary to the aspirations of Kashmiris.
  • Pakistan denies helping Libya develop N-plan IRNA 08 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan has denied a US newspaper report, which alleged Islamabad had provided Libya with technology to enrich uranium for use in nuclear weapons.
  • PAKISTAN / ANTI-TERRORIST OPS VOA 08 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan says it has launched a military strike at suspected militant and terrorist positions near the Afghan border.
  • PPP Denies Nuclear Swap Took Place under its Watch Pakistan Peoples Party 06 Jan 2004 -- A spokesperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party denied that the PPP government sanctioned sales of nuclear technology to Libya or any other country. The spokesperson was reacting to a news statement by President Gaddafi's son, Mr. Saif, that "we bought nukes from Pakistan", as published in the Pakistani press yesterday.
  • INDIA-PAKISTAN VOA 06 Jan 2004 -- Dana Dillon from the Heritage Foundation, discusses recent developments in talks between India and Pakistan. Mr. Dillon is a specialist in Army intelligence and Army foreign affairs.
  • PAKISTAN/LIBYA/NUKE VOA 06 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan is strongly denying a published report alleging it supplied nuclear weapons technology to Libya. But nearly six years after Islamabad tested its own nuclear device, whether the South Asian nation is honoring a pledge to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons remains a major issue.
  • South Asia: India And Pakistan Launch 'Broad Peace Dialogue' On All Disputes RFE/RL 06 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan and India today announced they are ready to start a broad dialogue on all disputed issues -- including the divided region of Kashmir -- in an effort to reach a lasting peace deal.
  • PAKISTAN / INDIA VOA 06 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan and India have agreed to resume official talks in February, in an effort to settle differences including the long-running dispute in Kashmir. The discussions are resuming after a gap of more than two years.
  • Annan hails meetings between leaders of India and Pakistan UN News Centre 05 Jan 2004 -- Lauding new contacts between the leaders of India and Pakistan, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged further dialogue between the two South Asian nations to settle their differences.
  • South Asia: Talks In Islamabad Raise Hopes Of Progress On Kashmir RFE/RL 05 Jan 2004 -- Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf have met for the first time in more than two years on the sidelines of a regional summit in Islamabad. Although described as a "courtesy call," today's talks lasted more than an hour and have raised hopes for peace through a dialogue on Kashmir.
  • INDIA / PAKISTAN VOA 05 Jan 2004 -- leaders of Pakistan and India have met on the sidelines of the South Asian regional summit in Islamabad. Ayaz Gul reports, the much-anticipated meeting - the first in more than two years - is another step in the thawing relations between the nuclear rival nations.
  • Pakistan, India stick to their stand on Kashmir IRNA 04 Jan 2004 -- Despite relaxation of tension between India and Pakistan, both countries seem unmoved over their stand on the disputed issue of Kashmir.
  • SAARC: INDIA/PAKISTAN VOA 04 Jan 2004 -- The prime ministers of India and Pakistan have held a much-hoped-for bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a regional summit.
  • SAARC SUMMIT VOA 04 Jan 2004 -- The Indian and Pakistani prime ministers have met on the sidelines of a summit of south Asian leaders in Pakistan. The meeting is seen as a sign of improving relations between the two rival countries. The leaders of seven South Asian nations have opened a three-day summit expected to strengthen regional ties.
  • MUSHARRAF UNDER FIRE VOA 02 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is vital in the US-led effort to dismantle the al-Qaida terrorist network. His forces have helped capture top al-Qaida operatives and hundreds of other terrorists. But he is also a man under fire: he narrowly escaped death in two assassination attempts last month.
  • BUSH PAKISTAN INDIA VOA 01 Jan 2004 -- President Bush says India and Pakistan seem to be resolving their long-standing disputes slowly but surely. Mr. Bush also says he sees progress in Pakistan's efforts to control extremists.
  • Pak President Musharraf gets vote of confidence from Parliament IRNA 01 Jan 2004 -- Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday secured vote of confidence from the National Assembly, the Senate and the four provincial assemblies, as the opposition boycotted the process.
  • Pakistan, India exchange list of N-installations: official IRNA 01 Jan 2004 -- Amid improvement in relations, Pakistan and India on Thursday exchanged lists of nuclear installations under a special agreement signed in 1988 which prohibited them from attacking each other`s nuclear facilities, a Foreign Office official said.
  • PAKISTAN / POLITICS VOA 01 Jan 2004 -- Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has won the vote of confidence he needed to remain in office for next four years.



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