Islamabad: Alleging that Pakistan's top nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was forced to admit to having transferred nuclear technology to Iran and Libya, leader of the opposition Islamist alliance Mutahida Majlis Amal (MMA), Qazi Hussain Ahmed today (Feb 05, 2004) expressed fears that a conspiracy was being hatched to roll back the national nuclear programme.

Dr. Khan was forced to confess over State Television yesterday (Feb 04, 2004), Ahmed said at a rally was organised in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity day and called for a general strike tomorrow (Feb 06, 2004) in protest against the probe on nuclear scientists.

The MMA leader also alleged that the Government had "bowed" to pressure by the US and other Western nations to prepare a ground to deprive the country of its nuclear capability.

Dr Khan had in an extraordinary address over State television owned full responsibility for transferring nuclear technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea saying there was no authorisation from the Government. He sought clemency, which was granted by President Musharraf.

"The Americans want Pakistan's nuclear programme dismantled as they do not see a Muslim country to be a nuclear country," the MMA leader said. He said the Americans want Pakistan to become another Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The next stage of this diabolical game is to ask the country to scrap its nuclear program, as the US and its allies are opposed to the nuclear capability in any Muslim country's hands," he said.

Cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan has announced support to the February 6 strike call against General Musharraf who, he said, should stop the policy of capitulation under foreign pressure or face the wrath of the people for sell out of vital national interests.

"His policy of total capitulation in the face of pressure has plunged the nation into an unprecedented crisis," Imran who heads Pakistan Tehrieek Insaf Party told a news conference today.

He said Musharraf's "timid and weak-kneed" policies have demoralized the people, crippled vital national organizations and turned national heroes into villains.

The on-going vilification campaign against the nuclear scientists is part of a well-planned conspiracy to undermine the nuclear programme, Khan said accusing Musharraf of following a suicidal policy.

Hussain also warned the Government against any compromise on Kashmir. The world community and the United Nations, had recognized Kashmir as an international issue and supported implementation of the UN resolutions, he said.

"The UN resolutions on the issue are valid and acknowledge its disputed status. The rulers won't be allowed to change Pakistan's principled stand on the issue," he said.

"The nation would never pardon rulers if they compromised on Kashmir cause," he said.