NCA concerned over conventional, strategic weapons buildup in region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired the 22nd meeting of the National Command Authority which undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing regional and international security environment.

According to a statement released following the meeting, the NCA took note of the growing development of conventional and strategic weapons in the region and expressed serious concerns over the adverse ramifications for peace and security due to the buildup.

The NCA reiterated nuclear deterrence as a factor of stability in South Asia and expressed its resolve to maintain Full Spectrum Deterrence in line with police of Credible Minimum Deterrence.

Following a review of the security and safety mechanisms of the nuclear program, the NCA expressed their satisfaction on the measures in place to ensure effective security and of strategic assets and installations, the statement read.

The NCA reiterated Pakistan’s desire for establishing the Strategic Restraint Regime in South Asia and the inescapable need for a meaningful and sustained comprehensive dialogue process for the resolution of all outstanding disputes to usher in an era of peace and prosperity in the region.

The NCA noted with satisfaction the Pakistan has the requisite credentials that entitle it to become part of all multi-lateral export control regimes, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

The National Command Authority was also briefed on the final Nuclear Security Summit scheduled to be held in Washington D.C.

The NCA was presented with details of the inter-agency process to ratify the convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. The NCA gave the approval in principal for the ratification. The meeting re-affirmed that as a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan will continue to contribute meaningfully towards the global efforts to improve nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation measures.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Ministers of Defence, Finance and Interior, the Advisor to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs as well as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Chief of the Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Naval Chief, as well as the Director General of the Strategic Plans Division.