ISLAMABAD: The army’s senior command on Tuesday reassured the world that the country’s nuclear weapons and materials were well secured in accordance with the international standards.
The assurance was reiterated at the 252nd Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters, chaired by army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.
In a statement issued after the conference, which is held almost every month for reviewing the internal and external security situation and operational preparedness of the army, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said: “As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan has taken all measures necessary to strengthen its nuclear security regime, at par with international best practices.”
It is unusual for the corps commanders to issue a public statement on matters related to the nuclear programme. In the past, such issues were addressed by the National Command Authority.
In apparent rejoinder to Biden’s remarks, corps commanders say Pakistan’s nuclear security at par with best global standards
The statement appeared to be a rejoinder to US President Joe Biden’s comment on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons at a Democratic Congressional fundraiser on Thursday in California. Out of the blue, President Biden brought up Pakistan while discussing various global threats to US interests.
“And what I think is maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world: Pakistan. Nuclear weapons without any cohesion,” Mr Biden had said.
The US president seemed to have echoed long-standing concerns in Washington about Pakistan’s nuclear security, which refuse to go away despite assurances extended by Islamabad that the security of the nuclear stockpile was watertight.
The US State Department, however, belatedly attempted to walk back the controversy by expressing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to keep its nuclear weapons safe and secure. “The United States is confident of Pakistan’s commitment and its ability to secure nuclear assets,” State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
President Biden’s comment, however, sparked outrage at home. It was denounced by both the government and the opposition even though some ministers and ruling coalition allies looked restrained in their criticism. US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome was summoned to the Foreign Office and demarched.
The ISPR said the top army command “reposed full confidence in Pakistan’s robust nuclear command and control structure and security arrangements related to the country’s strategic assets”.
Besides this controversy, the generals also discussed the prevailing law and order situation and the ongoing flood relief activities
“While expressing satisfaction over [the] operational preparedness of the formations, [the] COAS reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the motherland against all threats,” the ISPR said.
“[The] COAS lauded [the] formations’ operational readiness and sustained efforts during flood relief duties,” it added.
Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2022
