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I REFER to the report, 'Worries over Pakistan's nuclear assets unabated' (ST, Jan 31) by Ravi Velloor, and would like to state that the fears expressed are unreal and unfounded. Please allow me to state a few facts that have been erroneously presented.
First, Pakistan did not initiate its nuclear programme in 1971 but was dragged into a nuclear arms race after India conducted its nuclear test in 1974.
Second, Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapons state and attaches great significance to the security of its nuclear assets. Our nuclear weapons are as secure as those of any other nuclear weapons state.
Our leadership, at the highest level, has said repeatedly these assets are completely safe and secure and under fully indigenous, multi-layered, institutionalised security, and command and control structures. Statements expressing concern about their safety and security are unwarranted and irresponsible.
Pakistan also attaches great importance to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has extended cooperation to it on many important issues, towards the fulfilment of its mandate. Its civilian nuclear programme is under IAEA safeguards and fully complies with IAEA obligations.
Samina Parvez (Ms)
Press Counsellor
Pakistan High Commission
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