Pak fully prepared to defend itself: Qureshi

Pak fully prepared to defend itself: Qureshi
21 Dec 2008, 2142 hrs IST, PTI




ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday asserted that it was prepared to defend itself if any aggression or war was imposed on the country, even as Islamabad
said it will be "irresponsible" to speculate on the Mumbai attacks before the results of the probe are out. ( Watch )

"We do not want aggression or war and we want peace. But if war is imposed on us, we have the capability and right to defend ourselves," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters in Multan in reply to a question about the tensions between India and Pakistan.

"Pakistan's defence and security is complete. Pakistan's government and armed forces are alert. We have every right to defend the country," he added.

Noting that it was in the interest of both Pakistan and India to defuse tensions instead of escalating the situation, Qureshi reiterated Islamabad's offer to cooperate with New Delhi to probe the terrorist attacks on India's financial hub that killed over 180 people.

"We are ready for cooperation because this is in our interests. We have only one policy how to defend Pakistan's interests," he said, adding that Pakistan condemned terrorism across the world.

"It is easy to talk emotionally, but at this time, the whole region needs to act with wisdom and not passion."

"Pakistan is still waiting for India to provide evidence about the Mumbai attacks and it will be irresponsible to comment or speculate on the incident before the results of the investigation are presented," he said.

Wise people in India believe that the two countries should not suffer the agony of war because of few unwise elements, he said. War cannot offer any solution and the future of both countries cannot be put at stake due to such elements, Qureshi said.

India has blamed Pakistan-based elements, including the Lashker-e-Taiba terror group, for the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan is under mounting pressure from India and the US to crack down on these elements but has insisted that India has not yet shared any evidence regarding the attacks.

Asked about India's demand for handing over certain terrorists and criminals, Qureshi said Pakistan will operate "while remaining within our laws".

"India has to decide on many things in accordance with its laws and parliament. The Pakistan government too has to move forward according to the country's laws."