ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan says that it believes in resolution of conflicts through negotiations as the mean to bring peace and strategic stability in South Asia.
“Pakistan seeks peace and strategic stability in South Asia as corner stone of its policy and it considers conflict resolution as the mean to achieve this objective,” said a meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) held in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and was attended by Federal Ministers of Defence, Finance and Interior, the Advisor to the Prime Minister for National Security and Foreign Affairs, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs and DG SPD.
The ISPR said that during the meeting, the NCA reviewed the regional security environment and was briefed on fast-paced strategic and conventional capabilities’ developments taking place in the neighbourhood.
The NCA reaffirmed that the state remains fully cognizant of the evolving security dynamics of South Asia and will take all measures to safeguard its national security.
“In view of the growing conventional asymmetry, the NCA reiterated the national resolve to maintain ‘Full Spectrum Deterrence Capability’ in line with the dictates of ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ to deter all forms of aggression, adhering to the policy of avoiding an arms race,” the ISPR said.
The NCA reposed full confidence in Pakistan’s robust nuclear command and control structure and security arrangements related to country’s strategic assets.
“As responsible nuclear state, Pakistan will remain actively engaged with the international community on nuclear stability and security issues,” the NCA said.
In its appraisal of the non-proliferation debate since the last meeting, the NCA expressed satisfaction on Pakistan’s enhanced outreach with the multilateral export control regimes.
“Pakistan shares the goals of non-proliferation and is committed to play its due role as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regimes,” it said.
The meeting renewed Pakistan’s interest in joining the multilateral export control regimes on non-discriminatory basis including the membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
“Pakistan has the requisite credentials for full access to civil nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, particularly to meet its energy shortages,” it said.
The NCA also reviewed the internal security situation and acknowledged the sacrifices and appreciated successes of the Armed Forces in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb.
