Pakistan was obliged to develop nuclear capability: foreign secretary

Published October 1, 2015
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to the goal of elimination of nuclear weapons through a global, verifiable and non-discriminatory legal instrument. — AP/File
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to the goal of elimination of nuclear weapons through a global, verifiable and non-discriminatory legal instrument. — AP/File

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry stated that "Pakistan had been obliged to develop nuclear capability for self-defence and deterrence."

Aizaz made the statement at an event organised today on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

He added it was an "existential choice that Pakistan made to preserve strategic stability in South Asia".

The foreign secretary underscored that non-discriminatory, universal, comprehensive and general nuclear disarmament remained the highest priority on the international security agenda.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to the goal of elimination of nuclear weapons through a global, verifiable and non-discriminatory legal instrument.

While reiterating that Pakistan’s nuclear policy continued to be guided by the principles of restraint and responsibility, Aizaz said the pursuit of peace and stability in South Asia through the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Kashmir, remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s policy.

Read: Broadest deterrence capability to be kept

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...