Dr Qadeer not first proliferator: FO
By Asghar Ali

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Monday strongly reacting to the comments of a book published from London said that the country has acquired nuclear deterrence in the interest of peace, security and stability of the region and its strategic assets are completely safe and secure.
Reacting strongly to the book published from London titled “Biggest threat to world peace,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said at the weekly news briefing that the book contains baseless and malicious allegations. The Spokesperson firmly rejected the allegations and said that the contents of the book are re-hashed of often repeated assertions prompted by biased motives. She said certain people still find it difficult to accept that Pakistan has acquired nuclear deterrence.
She said these people refuse to recognize that Pakistan was not the first to introduce nuclear weapons in South Asia. The strategic balance in the region was disturbed by Indian nuclear test in 1974 and Pakistan responded to this test, she added. The spokesperson said outlandish behaviour of such elements only brings into sharp focus their prejudice against Pakistan.
She said in their hostility the authors of the book have gone beyond the issue of proliferation to malign Pakistan and its leadership. She said such people need to know that Pakistan is a progressive, moderate and vibrant society with expanding economy and it is anchor of stability in the region.
Referring to threat of terrorism, she said, the authors should know that in addressing this contemporary challenge Pakistan is playing an active role. She said Pakistan has same concerns and objectives as the rest of the world on the issue of terrorism.
The spokesperson rejected speculations about the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. “Pakistan’s strategic assets are completely safe and secure and the highest level of institutional protection is accorded to them,” she added.
The spokesperson said Pakistan’s strategic assets are under strong multi-layered decision-making, organisational, administrative and command and control structure. She said Pakistan also has in place export control that conform to the most stringent international standards.
Replying to a question she said Pakistan’s principal concern is to keep its defence strong and un-assailable. She said, “Without getting into arms race, Pakistan will take all steps required to maintain credible deterrence and strong defence capability.”
Commenting on the remarks of former CIA chief about Dr. A.Q. Khan, the spokesperson said if an individual is being condemned for contributing to Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence, then there are many people in many countries that are guilty of this crime. She said, “There are v