Mumbai terror strikes: Pakistan ready to defend itself, say politicians

Lahore/Islamabad, Dec.2 : Pakistan's political leaders have supported the government's stance on the Mumbai attacks and said the nation is ready to defend the country against any aggression.

Addressing a news conference after a meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Opposition Leader Nisar Ali Khan said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supported the government and urged it to take a dignified and firm stance at 'a critical time'.

"In this charged atmosphere, the unjustified blame game against Pakistan and its institutions should be stopped. If anyone has any proof, it should be given to the government, which will itself take action," he said.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Fazlur Rehman said the nation would not be negligent in defending the country, adding the nation was united on the issue.

Separately, talking to media at Data Darbar in Lahore, the Daily Times quoted Pakistan Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan as saying that India should avoid levelling baseless allegations against Pakistan for the Mumbai attacks.

Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the nation would thwart any plans to damage Pakistan's integrity, a private TV channel reported.

Addressing a seminar in Lahore, Rashid said Pakistanis knew well how to defend their homeland. Talking to a private TV channel, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sherry Rehman said the all-parties conference being held today (Tuesday) would reflect the country's democratic and political stability. She said the government's point of view was very clear that it wanted peace in the region.

ANI