The National Command Authority (NCA) on Thursday expressed
concern over the stockpiling of nuclear arms and plans for installation
of Ballistic Missile Defence system by Pakistan's neighbours — an
apparent reference to India — and noted that such destabilising
manoeuvres could undermine strategic stability in South Asia.
The
23rd meeting of the NCA, chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan
Abbasi, backed Pakistan's defence forces to hold their own in case of
any acts of aggression by the adversaries, but reaffirmed its commitment
to Full Spectrum Deterrence — the principle on which Pakistan's nuclear
strategy is based.
The meeting expressed full confidence
in security measures in place to protect the nation's strategic assets,
and reiterated that as a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan will keep
on improving its nuclear security as well as non-proliferation measures.
"The
NCA asserted that Pakistan desires peaceful co-existence in the region
and will endeavour to work with its neighbours to ensure strategic
stability in South Asia," a press release said.
During
the meeting, the high standards of training and operational readiness of
the strategic forces to dispel all kinds of threats were praised.
The
NCA also acknowledged the efforts of scientists and engineers whose
contributions have led to the fortification of the national defence. In
particular, the technological sophistication demonstrated during the
Babur III submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) and Ababeel Missile
System tests were singled out for praise.
Meanwhile, the
National Space Programme – 2047 and Nuclear Power Programme were
endorsed due to their potential to add to the national socio-economic
prosperity.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers
of defence and interior, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee,
chief of army staff, chief of naval staff, chief of air staff, director
general Strategic Plans Division, DG Inter-Services Intelligence,
secretary foreign affairs and other senior officials.