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Musharraf Says Pakistan to Protect Strategic Assets
Thursday, September 20, 2001

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan
President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said Pakistan's decision to deal with the current situation has to be based on country's critical concerns of security, revival of economy, protection of strategic assets and Kashmir cause.

He was addressing to the nation over Radio and Television to take the nation into confidence about the situation following terrorists attacks in the United States.

Describing the current situation as the worst after 1971, the President cautioned that any wrong decision at this critical juncture could spell disaster. He emphasized that Pakistan's defense is supreme over every other consideration. "We have four priorities before us. These are protection of security and solidarity of the country against external threats, boosting efforts for revival of economy, safeguarding of the strategic assets including nuclear and missile capability and Kashmir cause". He said we will have to keep these interests uppermost while taking any decision as Pakistan can ill-afford any miscalculation.

"We have to save the country from any possible loss and for this we have to follow the path of wisdom and prudence," General Musharraf said, appealing the nation to demonstrate unity and solidarity and frustrate designs of those who are out to damage the country for their personal and party interests.

The President pointed out that in the wake of terrorist attacks, the Untied States is in the grip of grief, anger and vengeance. He said their first target has been Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaida Movement, second Taleban who have given refugee to him and the third target is a long drawn fight against terrorism at international level. He said these targets are not against Islam or people of Afghanistan.
(More: PakistanLink.com News Source)

Dan