Missing missiles irk Pakistanis

By Zaffar Abbas BBC correspondent in Islamabad

A decision by authorities in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, to remove a life-size model of the country's nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Ghauri, from display in Islamabad has stirred bitter controversy in political circles.

Replicas of ballistic missiles adorn many of Islamabad's traffic islands

Officials say the move is part of a beautification plan for the capital, and is not linked to a planned visit by the Indian prime minister and other south Asian leaders for a summit meeting early next month.

But some opposition groups are not convinced.

Earlier this week, when the metropolitan authority in Islamabad removed a giant life-size replica of Pakistan's prestigious Ghauri missile from a prominent city inter-section, there was a mixed response.

Such models of missiles were put on display in different parts of the country soon after Pakistan carried out nuclear tests in 1998.

Those who had always opposed a public display of symbols of weapons of mass destruction were pleased to note the removal of the Ghauri model.

A few others thought this particular model erected on a roundabout on a main road was actually a traffic hazard.

But the sharpest reaction has come from some opposition politicians, particularly those from right-wing religious parties.

They have accused the government of removing the symbols of Pakistan's nuclear prowess to appease Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who will be attending a summit of south Asian leaders next month.

Milestone to peace?

The metropolitan authority of Islamabad insists the criticism is unfounded.

The head of Islamabad's Capital Development Authority or CDA, Kamran Lashari, told the BBC it has absolutely nothing to do with the holding of the regional summit.

He even denied reports that the model had been demolished.

Highway hopes: Road signs show the distance to Srinagar

It has just been removed as part of the city's recently- launched beautification programme, he said.

According to him, it will soon be installed at a new, and better location.

Other officials have also pointed to the fact that a number of other models of Ghauri and Shaheen missiles, and a replica of the Chaghi mountain, where nuclear tests were carried out in 1998, are still on display in the city.

The officials have also described as incorrect reports that the authorities planned to remove the symbolic milestones from the city, which show the distance to Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir.

Such display-boards and milestones are reminders of Pakistan's claim on the territory.

But they may begin to serve a genuine purpose if and when India and Pakistan agree to start a proposed bus service between Srinagar and Muzzaffarbad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir.