Sharif expresses satisfaction over Pakistan’s n-safety

Islamabad Feb 24 (IANS) Pakistan's National Command Authority (NCA) here on Wednesday stated that nuclear deterrence is a factor in South Asia's stability.

The authority, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, expressed its resolve to maintain full spectrum deterrence, in line with the policy of minimum credible deterrence.

Ahead of the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit to be held next month in Washington, Islamabad has ratified the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, the only international legally binding undertaking in the area of physical protection of nuclear material.

"As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan would continue to contribute meaningfully towards the global efforts to improve nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation measures," said a statement released by the NCA.

The NCA also comprehensively reviewed the safety and security mechanism of Pakistan's nuclear programme and expressed satisfaction on the measures in-place to ensure highly effective security of nuclear assets.

While taking note of the growing conventional and strategic weapons' development in the region, the NCA expressed serious concerns over the adverse ramifications for peace and security on this account.

NCA reiterated its determination to take all possible measures to make national security robust, enabling it to effectively respond to the threats to national security without indulging in arms race.

The meeting was attended by the top military and civil leadership of Pakistan.

In previous meetings, NCA has noted with concern India's rapidly expanding conventional military asymmetry and dangerous limited conventional war policy called Cold Start doctrine.