Pak will continue developing its nuclear programme: Kasuri

Close on the heels of the finalisation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation deal, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said that Islamabad would continue developing its nuclear programme, while maintaining strategic balance in the region.

Islamabad, Aug 10 : Close on the heels of the finalisation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation deal, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has said that Islamabad would continue developing its nuclear programme, while maintaining strategic balance in the region.

"Let me assure the House that we'll continue developing our nuclear programme, and will not allow shift in the balance of power in South Asia," Kasuri said in his speech on the country's foreign policy, with a special focus on Pak-US relations.

On US claims of Pakistan's tribal areas being safe havens for Al-Qaeda terrorists, Kasuri said this was not true, and ruled out the possibility of unilateral action by the US or NATO inside Pakistan.

"Let me state it categorically that there is no safe haven for terrorists in Pakistan. There could be some individuals hiding in tribal areas and we're taking action against them. We're ready to take action against anyone if provided with any credible information," he said.

Condemning the statements of US presidential candidates on bombing Muslims, he said these remarks were "insane and foolish."

"I have conveyed to our counterparts in the US Congress and the administration as well that these remarks and the bill linking US aid to Pakistan with its anti-terror performance will prove counterproductive," Kasuri said.

He was quoted by the Daily Times as saying, that not even a single individual of the 1.25 billion Muslim population could tolerate such irresponsible statements and threats issued by Tom Tancredo and Barrack Obama.

"Let me also make it clear that the defence of our sacred places is not only the responsibility of the Saudi Arabia. Muslims living across the world will get united if anybody tries to cast an evil eye on our holy places," he warned.

ANI