The Hindu : International : Shaukat Aziz steers clear of controversy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 12, 2005

International

International

Shaukat Aziz steers clear of controversy

B. Muralidhar Reddy

``World has acknowledged Jinnah's role''

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday described Mohammad Ali Jinnah as a "great man recognised by the whole world."

"Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah is the Father of the Nation. He has played a role in creating a homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent. The whole world has acknowledged his great contribution," Mr. Aziz said at a news conference here.

He refused to be drawn into the controversy over the statements made by BJP president L.K. Advani during his recent visit here. Asked whether Mr. Advani had retracted his statement describing Mr. Jinnah as secular, he said he could not speak for the Indian leader.

Asked whether Pakistan faced any pressure from the United States on the Iran gas pipeline, Mr. Aziz said that Pakistan was at present looking at four options to meet its energy requirements. These were Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan, Iran-Pakistan-India, Qatar and import of Liquefied Natural Gas. Pakistan would pursue "all options" and decide on the basis of economic feasibility as well as "national interest."

He said the Iranian Petroleum Minister would be here in the next two weeks to carry forward the discussions on the project. Besides, an official delegation from Pakistan was leaving for Qatar to discuss the issue.

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