Pakistan will take all measures to increase defence capability, says Aziz

In the backdrop of recent test-firing by India of its supersonic interceptor missile, a top Pakistani foreign advisor on Tuesday informed the country's Senate that Pakistan would take all possible measures to augment its defence capability.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan was not oblivious to its defence requirements and was upgrading its capabilities through suitable technologies without entering into an arms race.

He said: "Our efforts for peace and friendship must not be interpreted as our weakness. We are fully capable to defend our people and territory."

The advisor said Pakistani scientists and experts constantly monitored and evaluated the strategic threats that Indian nuclear doctrine posed to Pakistan's security.

"Despite limited resources, Pakistan had developed a robust nuclear deterrent system whose safety and security was acknowledged (by the world)," he said.

On the diplomatic front, he said, Pakistan was planning to highlight at all relevant international fora "the dangerous implications of India's plan to nuclearise the Indian Ocean".

"One specific proposal under consideration was to move a resolution in the next session of the UN General Assembly to declare the Indian Ocean a nuclear-free zone."

He said Pakistan would approach other countries as well to co-sponsor this resolution.

About the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership, the adviser said Pakistan had undertaken a proactive diplomatic offensive in all the member countries of the group. "Our efforts towards non-discriminatory approach will pay off," he said.

He said Pakistan's lobbying in the US was quite active. "We have short-listed lobbying firms. Our missions are also very active to protect the country's interests."

--IANS

ahm/dg