ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met on Wednesday and discussed a number of important issues, including safety of nuclear assets and possible operation in North Waziristan, knowledgeable sources told .

President's spokesman Farhatullah Babar neither confirmed nor denied that the issue of nuclear capability or safety of assets was discussed in the meeting. He simply said: “We do not comment on our strategic plans.”

He said that initially the meeting was between the president and the prime minister who discussed the political situation. Later they were joined by the army chief and the security situation came under discussion. The sources said the issue of possible military operation in North Waziristan and recent increase in US drone attacks were also discussed.

Views were also exchanged on the security of nuclear scientist Dr A.Q. Khan against the background of reports that some foreigners have hired houses close to his residence in Islamabad's Sector E-7.

But Mr Babar said he believed that because of security measures in place no foreigner could become neighbour of Dr Khan. —Syed Irfan Raza