Pakistan rejects misleading news report

(2013-11-07)

Reacting to a BBC story alleging nuclear cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the story as entirely baseless and mischievous.

2. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapons state with robust command and control structure and comprehensive export controls. Pakistan supports objectives of non-proliferation as well as nuclear safety and security.

3. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities. Pakistan’s nuclear programme is purely for its own legitimate self defence and maintenance of a credible, minimum deterrence.

4. The Spokesman also drew the media’s attention to the joint statement by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama issued on 24 October 2013, which referred to President Obama’s appreciation of Pakistan’s constructive engagement with the Nuclear Security Summit process and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international forums. At the same time, President Obama acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to improve its strategic trade controls and enhance its engagement with multilateral export regime. Prime Minister Sharif affirmed Pakistan’s support for the universal objectives of non-proliferation and disarmament. President Obama reiterated his confidence in Pakistan’s commitment and dedication to nuclear security and recognize that Pakistan is fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues.

5. There can be no better affirmation of the international community’s recognition of Pakistan’s commitment and adherence to the goals of non-proliferation.

Islamabad
7 November 2013.

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