PM for retaining nuclear deterrence at all cost
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday expressed the determination to retain the country’s nuclear deterrence at all cost and said Pakistan could not be coerced to compromise on its core security interest.
“We are determined to retain nuclear deterrence at all cost, while ensuring fail-safe security of our nuclear assets,” Gilani told the top leaders of his party at a meeting at the PM House.
Rejecting the “orchestrated campaign” by “Pakistan’s detractors” who were casting doubts about security of Pakistan’s nuclear assets, Gilani said, “No amount of coercion, direct or indirect, will ever force Pakistan to compromise on its core security interest.”
In a policy statement made to the Central Executive Committee and the Federal Council of Pakistan Peoples Party, Gilani said the campaign against Pakistan has tried to link the country’s internal situation with nuclear security to discredit Pakistan’s nuclear capability.
“Disinformation is being spread deliberately to undermine Pakistan,” the prime minister said while referring to reports in western media about the safety and security of country’s nuclear assets and apprehensions that it might fall into the hands of militants and extremists.
“No foreign individual, entity or state has been provided, or will ever be provided access to our sensitive information,” Gilani said amidst loud applause by the party members.
“Nuclear weapons are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s deterrence strategy and enjoy complete consensus and support,” he said and pointed out that the founder of Pakistan Peoples Party Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto initiated the country’s nuclear program and the party was carrying out the legacy.
“Pakistan has developed and operationalized an immaculate nuclear weapons security regime, which is multi-layered, has stringent access controls and incorporates modern technical solutions and rigorous Human Reliability Programmes.”
The Prime Minister said Pakistan conforms to international best practices and has the capacity to meet all challenges.
“Insinuations to the contrary are plain mischievous and designed to create doubts in the minds of the people of Pakistan. I dismiss these with contempt,” Prime Minister Gilani said.