- National Command Authority rejects western speculation over nuclear security
- Country to maintain minimum credible deterrence without entering arms race
Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership on Thursday sent a strong message to the world community by reposing full confidence in its “robust” nuclear command and control structure and all security controls related to the strategic assets of the country, besides reaffirming the centrality of its nuclear programme for its defence and resolving to continue adhering to the policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence without entering into an arms race with any other country.
The National Command Authority (NCA) met on Thursday to review the regional and international challenges faced by the country and its preparations to respond to the same. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired the meeting that was attended by all members of the NCA, including federal ministers of finance and interior, the adviser on national security and foreign affairs, special assistant on foreign affairs, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman and services chiefs.
The meeting was held in wake of recent western media report claiming that the US administration had fears over security of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and that the world super power had intensified surveillance of Islamabad’s nukes. The report, published by Washington Post, had quoted US officials stating that there were “broad new levels of mistrust” in an already fragile security partnership between Pakistan and US.
An official statement said the NCA reviewed developments at the regional level and reiterated that, “as a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan would continue to adhere to the policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence, without entering into an arms race with any other country”. Pakistan, however, would not remain oblivious to the evolving security dynamics in South Asia and would maintain a full spectrum deterrence capability to deter all forms of aggression, the statement added.
The NCA reaffirmed the centrality of Pakistan’s nuclear programme for the defence of the country. “The meeting also paid rich tribute to the various scientists as well as security and policy level officials and diplomats who are associated with Pakistan’s strategic programme”.
The NCA also reviewed the developments at the international level and took note of the discriminatory trends and policies that could have serious implications for Pakistan’s national security and the global non-proliferation regime.
The NCA reiterated that while maintaining its principled position on various arms control and non-proliferation issues, Pakistan would continue to oppose any arrangement that is detrimental to its security and strategic interests. “As for the proposed Fissile Material (Cut-Off) Treaty [FM(C)T], Pakistan’s position will be determined by its national security interests and the objectives of strategic stability in South Asia,” the statement added.
The meeting underscored Pakistan’s commitment to playing its due part as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regime, and renewed Pakistan’s keen interest in joining the multilateral export control regimes on non-discriminatory basis.
“Pakistan has the requisite credentials for full access to civil nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to meet its growing energy needs for continued economic growth. The meeting noted the importance of Pakistan’s positive outreach and enhanced engagement with all the multilateral export control regimes including membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG),” the statement said.
The NCA emphasised that Pakistan would continue to participate constructively in the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process.
“As a responsible nuclear weapon state with advanced technology and four decade-long experience in safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants, Pakistan is ready to share its expertise with other interested states by providing fuel cycle services under IAEA safeguards and by providing training placements at its Centres of Excellence on nuclear security,” the statement concluded.
