ISLAMABAD, Oct 3: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the reports that the military regime has been discussing with the United States possible American assistance for the security of Pakistan’s nuclear installations.

In a statement issued here, the PML spokesman said that the move amounted to compromising Pakistan’s most vital security interests.

The spokesman said it was expected that the reports, emanating from Washington, would be contradicted or at least a plausible clarification would be issued from Islamabad.

“However, continued silence of the official spokesman has strengthened the suspicion that the military rulers have completely surrendered the national interests before the global hegemonic interests of the US,” he alleged.

The spokesman said that the reports, carried by the national press, clearly stated that the top-level US military team visiting Islamabad last week “discussed possible US help to Pakistan to provide equipment and other assistance for improving security and installing new safeguards on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and at its nuclear power plants.”

The PML spokesman said it was an open secret that the US had all along been deadly against development of nuclear deterrent capability by Pakistan and the country had to suffer harsh economic sanctions for 11 years due to its nuclear programme. “How could then the Americans be entrusted with providing protection to our nuclear installations,” the spokesman asked.

The regime hastened to outlaw one of the Mujahideen group following dictation from Washington, he said.

“Now, by discussing the security arrangements of Pakistan’s nuclear installation with Americans officials, the regime has jeopardized national security,” he alleged.

AFGHANISTAN-IRAN TALKS: Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Chairman Raja Mohammad Zafarul Haq on Wednesday noted with optimism the reports of a visit by a representative delegation of Afghan government to Tehran on the invitation of Iran.