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Pak opposition senators condemn N-scientists` detention

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb 17, IRNA -- Pakistan Senate has taken up a debate on 
recent events pertaining to the nuclear question as the opposition 
senators on Monday condemned the government for what they called 
mishandling of the issue. 
The House suspended rules to take up the discussion on ten 
identical adjournment motions, moved by opposition senators, seeking 
debate on the nuclear crisis. 
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed did not oppose the 
motions and hoped that all members are fully aware of the sensitive 
nature of the issue. 
Initiating the debate, Mian Raza Rabbani of the Peoples Party 
held the view that the government mishandled the question of 
debriefing of scientists. 
"The matter should have been brought before a joint session of 
the parliament for an in-camera discussion," Rabbani said. 
He also raised several questions, which according to him, reflect 
contradictions of the government on the issue. He wanted to know the 
steps taken by the government to ensure that the IAEA and other 
related agencies act against other nationals involved in the 
underground trade of nuclear proliferation. 
"I want to know whether any European country has contacted 
Pakistan government to share information on involvement of European 
underworld in the affair." 
Professor Khurshid Ahmed of MMA regretted that the government 
initiated debriefings of those who contributed immensely to the 
strengthening of Pakistan`s national defence. 
"The demoralization of scientists would affect our ability to 
carry out research and development and refinement of our nuclear 
deterrence," the senator said. 
"It was neither question of corruption by an individual or nuclear
proliferation," Khurshid said. 
He said that nuclear proliferation has served as a guarantee of 
peace in the world after the World War II. He said all countries 
right from the United States achieved nuclear capability through 
coveted means and in fact the United States and Europe were 
instrumental in making India and Israel as nuclear powers. 
"There must not be roll back of our nuclear capability and people 
of Pakistan, government, opposition and armed forces should join hands
to foil designs of our enemies," he added. 
TK/TSH/210 
End