US embassy expansion targeted at establishing control over Pak nukes: JI chief

Peshawar, Sep.13 (ANI): Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Syed Munawar Hassan has reacted strongly against a US move to expand its Islamabad embassy and said Washington is trying to establish a military cantonment in Islamabad with an eye on Pakistan's nuclear assets.

Interacting with media persons in a Meet-the-Press programme at the Peshawar Press Club, Hassan said Pakistan government's 'deaf-ear-response' to the reports regarding US plans to deploy 1000 elite Marines in Islamabad is beyond one's understanding.

He claimed that the US embassy has hired 200 residential buildings in Islamabad to keep a tab on Pakistan's nuclear programs and may event establish its control country's nuke facilities.

"Under the cover of civilian set-up Blackwater is ditto copy of the Central Investigation Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation but regrettably our government is slumbering," The News quoted Hassan, as saying.

Commenting on the Baloch insurgency, he said an all party meeting should be convened to find the solution of the burning issue and provide solace to the Baloch people.

Hassan said three things must be done before deciding anything for Balochistan.

"Lodge separate cases against former President General Pervez Musharraf and officials of intelligence agencies for the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti and Baloch nationalists, respectively, and seriously address the issue of missing persons of Balochistan," Hassan said.

He also criticized President Asif Ali Zardari for protecting Musharraf, who Hassan said was responsible for the present turbulent situation of the province.

"On one hand, Zardari is tendering apology to Balochs and protecting the man (Musharraf) who is solely responsible for all the excesses committed against the Baloch people on the other," Hassan said.

"Zardari has failed to honour even a single commitment he made with the nation," he added. (ANI)