ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: The Development Control Committee of the National Command Authority on Wednesday approved tightening of security for different defensive layers, enhancing physical security and ensuring effectiveness of watertight safety of materials, equipment and technology.

The DCC, which met with President Gen Pervez Musharraf in the chair, observed that recent missile tests by India did not warrant a response as Pakistan had no desire to increase tension in the region.

The committee was of the view that Pakistan’s missile programme was guided by its own technical dynamics, and tests would be conducted whenever a technical validation was necessitated.

It was emphasized that Pakistan’s long-standing indigenous capability for achieving the highest levels of safety and security was adequate and fail-safe.

The committee which met to review progress on different ongoing strategic projects, expressed satisfaction on the management and pace of development of these projects.

The president appreciated the technical excellence, missionary zeal and success of the scientists in developing indigenous deterrence capability and fortifying national defence.

The committee reviewed the procedures and mechanism, including recent upgrades, with regard to physical protection and security of the country’s sensitive sites and facilities.

It expressed confidence in the systems’ operation-and-control mechanism designed to ensure a layered approach in physical protection and custodial controls. While these have recently been augmented by the deployment of additional resources, the NCA gave approval to tightening of different defensive layers, enhancing physical security and ensuring effectiveness of watertight safety of materials, equipment and technology.

The NCA adopted measures to improve personal reliability programmes for individuals working in the strategic programme.