From Our Diplomatic Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rejected US President Joe Biden’s statement on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons as “factually incorrect and misleading”.
“Over the past decades, Pakistan has proven be a most responsible nuclear state, wherein its nuclear programme is managed through a technically sound and foolproof command and control system,” a statement from the PM Office quoted PM Shehbaz Sharif as saying.
Pakistan has also consistently demonstrated responsible stewardship of its nuclear-weapons capability, marked by a very strong commitment to global standards, including those of IAEA on non-proliferation, safety, and security, the statement added.
“Pakistan and the US have a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial relationship. At a time, when the world is confronted by huge global challenges, it is critically important that genuine and durable efforts are made to recognise the real potential of Pakistan-US relationship, while avoiding unnecessary comments. It is our sincere desire to cooperate with the US to promote regional peace and security,” the premier was quoted as saying.
In a tweet from his official handle, PM Shehbaz Shahbaz ‘unequivocally reiterated’ that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and added that country’s nuclear assets have the best safeguards as per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requirements.
“We take these safety measures with the utmost seriousness. Let no one have any doubts,” he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has summoned the US Ambassador Donald Blome and handed over an official demarche over President Joe Biden’s remarks on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
