No tit-for-tat policy if India conducts Nuclear-test: Qureshi

Pakistan does not have to follow a tit-for-tat policy in the event of fresh nuclear tests by India as it is capable of protecting its interests, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said today.

"We do not have to follow a tit-for-tat policy. We have to do what is in Pakistan's interest," Qureshi said on the sidelines of an 'iftar' he hosted for journalists at the Foreign Office.

Responding to a question on Islamabad's likely response if New Delhi conducted further nuclear tests, he said: "Pakistan is capable of protecting its interests." Qureshi said there had been speculation about India conducting further tests since a leading Indian defence scientist had questioned the success of the nuclear tests carried out in May 1998.

"There is a debate going on in India though no decision has been taken as yet (by the Indian government)," he said. Once India makes a decision, Pakistan will examine it and give its views, he said.

India's nuclear tests in May 1998 were followed closely by atomic tests by Pakistan. Since then, both countries have maintained a moratorium on further tests. Pakistan's foreign office recently said it was "disturbed" by reports that India could be preparing for further tests.