ISLAMABAD, July 3: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri on Thursday rejected as “without foundation” reports that the national nuclear programme was frozen under United States’ pressure.

Critics have alleged that President Pervez Musharraf agreed to freeze Pakistan’s nuclear programme to secured a promise of three billion dollars in aid from US President George W. Bush during his recent visit to Washington.

Mr Kasuri said in a statement that the development of nuclear weapons by India left Pakistan with no option but to go nuclear, and his country would never compromise its security.

Pakistan wants to live in peace with all its neighbours, “which is only possible if a minimum deterrent remains in place”, he said.—dpa