Following are excerpts from Mr Ahmed's statement, as broadcast live on Pakistani television:

After successfully conducting five nuclear tests on 28 May 1998, Pakistan completed the current series by another nuclear test today. Let me clarify here that there was only one test conducted today.

All the tests conducted were fully contained. There was no release of radioactivity. The results were as expected. The devices tested correspond to weapons configuration compatible with delivery system.

Pakistan needed 'credible deterrence'

The fact of our existence as the neighbour of an expansionist and a hegemonistic power taught us the inevitable lesson that we must search for security. Contemporary history held only one lesson for us. The answer lay in credible deterrence.

Today, we have proved our credibility. There are no doubts left any more. The era of ambiguity is behind us. But may I say to you, ladies and gentlemen, that the problems stay. The high priests of non-proliferation do not scratch below the surface. The symptom is their problem, the disease afflicts us.

Kashmir solution 'imperative'

The whole vast field of the non-proliferation regime has been built up. The desire is to confine everybody within its four walls, but the real cause of insecurity, conflicts, and tensions in our region need to be redressed. It is, therefore, imperative to find a peaceful and just solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Condemnations and sanctions are expressions of the injured ego of the powers who arrogate to themselves the high responsibility of keeping the peace and also the means to ensure peace in their part of the world. For the rest of the world, their interests does not go beyond their own preoccupation with non-proliferation. They would leave the critical questions surrounding peace and security here to the narrow confines of, what they say, the bilateral context.

They know very well that this is a dark tunnel where sounds reverberate, but do not lead to light at the end of the tunnel. Genuine contribution to peace and security can be made by constructive engagement in the search for permanent solutions. The councils of the world should not be convened to heap more criticism for that will evidently be fruitless, but to devise ways and means to address the real issues.

No desire for an arms race

Our decision to exercise the nuclear option was an expression of self-defence. In restoring this strategic balance, Pakistan has given only a bare minimum response. It is not our intention to enter into an arms race. The history of the Cold War era shows that such disastrous races are counterproductive and definitely not sustainable.

The only way we propose to run is for economic development. Over one billion people of our region do not want and certainly cannot afford to divert their precious resources for a nuclear confrontation in South Asia. We are determined to seek ways and means to cool the temperature and to lower the tension. Pakistan has always exercised maximum restraint. We will continue to do so.

Wants talks with India

Our capabilities demonstrated by our six nuclear tests are only, I repeat only, for self-defence and only to deter aggression. This has been clearly stated by the prime minister. The prime minister has also affirmed Pakistan's determination to engage in a constructive dialogue with other countries, especially major powers, to determine new ways and means to promote the goal of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in the world.

The prime minister has also reaffirmed his government's determination to resume Pakistan-India dialogue to address all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir as well as peace and security. We are prepared to enter into discussions with India for taking all steps that are necessary to ensure mutual restraint and equitable measures for nuclear stabilisation in our region.

Rules out technology transfers

We have already stated at the highest level that Pakistan has not and will not transfer sensitive technologies to other states or entities. The nuclearisation of South Asia poses new challenges for global non-proliferation. The history of this region tells us that non-proliferation cannot be ensured in a security void.

Compelling security concerns have to be discussed together with measures to promote the goals of non-proliferation. Global non-proliferation regimes can best be promoted by addressing the very factors that impel proliferation. The new global security order cannot be predicated in trying to freeze the inequities and ignore injustices.

Ready for 'immediate' talks

As a responsible country whose record of restraint and responsibility is impeccable, Pakistan today assures the international community and in particular India of our willingness to enter into immediate discussions to address all matters of peace and security, including urgent measures to prevent the dangers of nuclear conflagration.