LAHORE - Speakers at a roundtable on the 'Fallout of Mumbai Episode' unanimously condemned the acts of terrorism in Mumbai and highly appreciated the national solidarity demonstrated by the leaders of all political parties. They also urged upon the government to implement the resolution adopted by the All Parties Conference (APC) and present Pakistan's case vigorously before the international community with diplomacy and keep open the option of the minimum deterrence against any design of aggression. The highly attended roundtable was organised by PINA here the other day. The roundtable was chaired by the Senator S M Zafar and addressed by veteran politician Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, defence analyst Lt Gen (r) Khalid Latif Mughal, Secretary General PINA Altaf Hasan Qureshee, Naheed Tahir, Prof Rao Jalil Ahmad, Prof Dr Shafiq Jallandhri, political analyst Qayyum Nizami, Col (r) Z I Farrukh and researcher Mateen Salah-ud-Din. In his presidential note S M Zafar said that we share the grief of our neighbouring country and fully sympathise with the victims. He was of the opinion that it was a great event when all the political leaders stood behind the government for safeguarding the territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and sank all their differences. He said it was the first step towards national consolidation and there was a great need to take practical steps. He suggested that all efforts be made to strengthen the bonds of peace in the South Asia, and war-like situation should not be allowed to prevail. He was confident that Pakistan would present her case with full vigour and utmost care. The attitude of Indian authorities exposed the hollowness of their stand by frequently changing their statements. He was of the firm view that in order to deter foreign aggression Pakistan must keep first use options open. He said that people should support the Army, which is one of the finest in the world and its leadership was responding to the aspirations of the people. He also pointed out that our economy be given top priority after meeting internal and external challenges. Lt Gen (r) Khalid Latif Mughal analysing the fallout of the Mumbai mayhem said that US, India and Israel are bent upon to destabilise Pakistan and take control of her strategic assets. He pleaded that Pakistan must act with confidence and inner strength. He opposed the idea of sacrificing national pride and integrity at the altar of confidence-building dictates. He endorsed the suggestion of the speakers that full attention should be given to pull out forces from tribal area and Balochistan and Taliban be taken into confidence for the defence of the country. Hafiz Hussain Ahmad said that with the withdrawal of forces from FATA and Balochistan things would miraculously improve and infighting come to an end. He said Pakistan indicated to shift its forces from West to East border, should India resort to aggression. This indication has sent ripples of concern in US. He advocated that the Parliament must be made supreme and decisions be made through institutions. He maintained that Afghanistan is the heart of Asia and without stability and peace in that land, the whole region would suffer from disorder and anarchy. He advocated that justice and fair play must be ensured to the population of all parts of the country. He said there had been a number of gestures from many sides purporting flexibility in the Durand Line. Qayyum Nizami said that the internal strength is the best guardian of our independence and sovereign existence. He emphasised the need to establish rule of law and good governance. He appreciated that political leadership and media played a positive role in exposing the double standards of those powers overwhelmed by the Indian propaganda tactics. Altaf Hasan Qureshee appreciated the upsurge of national unity and urged the nation to remain united on basic issues and demonstrate mutual respect and democratic norms in the normal life. He impressed upon the Indian leadership to treat minorities with equity and fairness and weed out causes of the growing Hindu fundamentalism and extremism in the socially-deprived segments of the population. He however was full of appreciation for the tradition set by resigning Home Minister, Interior Security Advisor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He said that our army leadership was fully aware of the grave situation and was distancing from American influence, and therefore all efforts to create differences between the armed forces and the people be foiled through a well-established consultation process. Naheed Tahir expressed that our leadership must show strength of character and collective wisdom to tackle the fallout of the Mumbai Episode. She was shocked to see that Indian TV channels were waging war propaganda against Pakistan by levelling baseless allegations full of venom and hatred. She assured the audience that women folk in Pakistan were prepared sacrifice their lives for the defence of Pakistan. Col (R) Z I Farrukh said that India would not dare attacking Pakistan, however it would contrive plans to weaken the economy of Pakistan. He also maintained that Indian forces would land in great trouble if designed to join NATO Forces in Afghanistan. He expressed the hope that hours of trial might transform into the realm of opportunities.