MQM Founder & Leader, Mr. Altaf Hussain welcomes nuclear test

London, May 28, 1998

Founder & Leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Mr. Altaf Hussain termed Thursday's nuclear explosion by Pakistan a courageous and bold step of the Government. Mr Hussain said that after Indian nuclear blasts it had become imperative for Pakistan to detonate its device in self defence. Mr. Hussain expressed his views that such a deterrent was essential because an army without a nuclear capability, no matter how big it is, stood no chance against an army of a nuclear power.

He said that explosions have vindicated MQM's stand that foreign economic and military security umbrella was no substitute for self-reliance and credible defence. Mr. Hussain also praised nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and other members of his team for their historic achievement.

Mr Hussain called for national unity to offset the effects of sanctions by the US, IMF and World Bank.