28 May 1998 Thursday 01 Safar 1419
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[INLINE] Below are highlights of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's speech
that was scheduled to start at 18:00 PST (13:00 GMT). Since we are
covering the speech live from Pakistan Television, we apologize in
advance for any errors.
Highlights:
* The transmission began with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
* The PM started by congratulating the nation on this historic
occasion.
* "We today took a historical step for our security."
* The PM reviewed events since the Indian nuclear test of 1974., and
Pakistan's stance on the nuclear issue. He criticized the major
powers for a discriminatory policy towards Pakistan.
* He criticized the Indian government and accused them on installing
nuclear warheads on their missiles. He also criticized the western
powers for their mute response.
* Nawaz Sharif thanked China for its support of Pakistan. He said he
understood Japanese concerns but had Japan had nuclear weapons
Hiroshima and Nagasaki would not have suffered the fate it did.
* "We must stop India from nuclear domination".
* He thanked the nation for the support without which he could not
have made this historical decision.
* HE said that today Pakistan conducted FIVE successful nuclear
tests. He did not give any technical details.
* On sanctions he said that it would not be correct to put Pakistan
under sanctions. Had India been penalized for its actions we would
not have conducted these tests. In any case, "we are ready to face
the challenge of sanctions."
* He said his government has decided to adopt simplicity in its
actions and deeds. He announced that he will vacate the PM
secretariat.
* He said this is a golden opportunity to revolutionize our future.
He expressed hope that we would come out of this crisis better
than we entered it.
* He warned that he will not allow loan defaulters and tax evaders
to escape. He asked the nation to commit itself to sacrifice, and
warned the tax collection authorities to rid themselves of their
past corrupt habits.
* "We as a nation need to show discipline on the roads and the
offices. He also said that he would bring forward a proposal to
reduce the number of public holidays."
* "I pray that this period of difficulty will be short."
* "Our Armed Forces are ready to face the enemy. Our nuclear
scientists are also ready to face any eventuality. The Pakistani
nation congratulates them."
* "I will speak to you again in a few days with a comprehensive
package."
* "We will from now on only ask for help from Allah."
* "Pakistan Paindabad".
The speech concluded with the national anthem at 18:42 PST. Pakistan
Television is now telecasting patriotic songs.
The complete text of the PM's speech will be posted at this site as
soon as it is available.
Updates Concluded.
Updated: 18:45 PST
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