Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday dispelled the impression that Pakistan has rolled back its nuclear programme and said test of Shaheen missiles would not create arms race in South Asia.
No compromise would be made in this regard, he said, adding that the prime objective of the test was to maintain minimum deterrence.
He was talking to journalists after attending the annual prize distribution ceremony at the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education here.
The minister said that no pressure by the United States or any other country would be accepted on capping Pakistan's nuclear programme or handing over Dr Qadeer Khan to America.
The issue of Dr Qadeer Khan is an internal problem and it has nothing to do with the Collin Powell's upcoming visit to Pakistan, he said.
He also urged the nation not to be emotional during Pak-India cricket series. The Pak-India cricket series would hopefully strengthen the ongoing cordial relations between the two countries and help in resolving the decades old contentious issues like occupied Kashmir, he added.
To a question, he said that formation of the National Security Council (NSC) would be announced soon as the Federal Cabinet had already approved its establishment.
About the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) agitation against Wana operation, the information minister said that peaceful protest was their democratic right and the government was not feared of the call given by Qazi Hussain Ahmed.
As far as the Wana operation is concerned, Rashid said the Parliament was the best place to debate the issue.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, the minister said that school/colleges were best nurseries for producing sportsmen.
He said that Prime Minster Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali had recently issued directives to reserve 1 percent quota in the academic institutions for sportsmen/women for admission.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Board Chairman Commodore Shamshad announced to double the sports funds from Rs 0.5 million to Rs 1.2 million for the promotion of sports activities among the students.
He also said that the FBISE has also planned to build two stadiums in the Capital for holding inter-board and inter-collegiate tournaments. Later, the chief guest gave away trophies to the winners of the Federal Board Inter-Collegiate Boys Tournament 2003-04.
The boys secured first, second and third prizes in badminton squash, hockey, cricket, swimming, volleyball, basket ball, football, Kabbadi and athletics.
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