ISLAMABAD, May 20: Pakistan's nuclear programme, being the cornerstone of the nation's security policy, is non-negotiable. This was stated by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali while talking to the scientists and engineers of the Khan Research Laboratories , during a day-long visit to Kahuta on Thursday.
The prime minister reiterated that the policy of credible minimum deterrence had national consensus and had withstood the test of time and events over the past several years, "even as we continue to monitor our security environment critically".
He said his government would continue to make necessary resources available for the qualitative development and advancement of the strategic programme. Mr Jamali, who was given a detailed briefing on the role and functions of the uranium enrichment facility by KRL Chairman Dr Javed Arshad Mirza, strongly dismissed any misplaced apprehensions of rollback or freeze and asked the nation to develop confidence and maturity, becoming of a declared nuclear power.
The international community, he said, had accepted the reality of a nuclear Pakistan. Apprehensions of a rollback in some cynical domestic circles was outdated and at least two decades too late. The strategic programme knows only one direction, he said, that of forward dynamism and that would be maintained at all costs.
The prime minister emphasized that the country had acquired nuclear capability strictly for its own security and firmly believed in non-proliferation. Criticizing certain individuals, he said, Pakistan was determined to root out their network completely.
Difficult decisions had been taken and the government did not shy away from its international responsibilities, he said, adding that Pakistan had extended full cooperation to the IAEA in its efforts to investigate into the international proliferation and would continue to do so remaining within the bounds of national sovereignty and security.
Mr Jamali went around various uranium enrichment plants and Ghauri missile production facilities and expressed satisfaction at the excellent standards being maintained in the plants which were running to capacity.
He complimented the officers and workers on their outstanding technical prowess and high motivation level, which had given Pakistan the ability to deter aggression.
Earlier on arrival, he was received by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen Mohammad Aziz Khan, Strategic Plans Division Director Lt-Gen Khalid Kidwai and the KRL Chairman.