Days after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that "our arms are not meant for decoration", Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday discussed the country's nuclear, missile and space programmes with newly-appointed strategic plans chief here.
Sharif appreciated security and safety mechanisms and said the Strategic Plans Department (SPD) has played an important role in strengthening Pakistan's defence capabilities, reports Dawn.
On June 16, Khawaja Asif said if forced into war by India, Islamabad would respond in a befitting manner, and added: "If need be, we will use them (nuclear arms) against India".
New SPD chief Lt.Gen. Mazhar Jamil thanked the government for reposing confidence in him for the assignment and assured Sharif he would discharge his responsibilities.
Sharif expressed confidence that the SPD would continue to work towards this end under his command.
The SPD is an important component of Pakistan's National Command Authority which is headed by the prime minister and exercises complete control over the country's nuclear and strategic capability structure.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app