Our nuclear programme safe from terrorists: Pakistan

Pakistans nuclear programme complies with global standards of safety and terrorists have never tried to harm it, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said on Thursday.

Addressing a seminar on nuclear security, he also urged the US to shun discriminatory treatment against Pakistan vis-a-vis India in nuclear and defence ties, the Dawn reported.

He said Pakistan's nuclear programme complied with global standards of safety and had never faced any threats.

"Terrorists have never attempted to harm the programme," he was quoted as saying. "Our programme has remained secure even during waves of terrorism."

He added: "If India is given preferential treatment regarding membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), then stopping a regional nuclear arms race will become a distant dream," he said.

Aizaz reiterated that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal was not directed against anyone and was only for self-defence.

He said Pakistan was a responsible nuclear state and its nuclear assets were safe and regulated by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said Pakistan qualified for membership of the 48-member NSG and had mobilized member countries in order to support the cause.

The Foreign Secretary added that India and Pakistan needed to bolster Confidence Building Measures to reach pragmatic solutions to long-standing disputes, Radio Pakistan reported.

--IANS

mr/ahm