Indian interceptor missile tests disturb regional ‘balance of power’: Aziz

PM's senior aide says Pakistan will acquire technology to upgrade defences

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday expressed concerns over the latest missile tests carried out by India, warning that they disturb the “balance of power” in the region and Islamabad will raise the issue on international forums.

“We are concerned over the fact that due to these tests by India the balance of power in the region is being disturbed,” said Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz while speaking to Radio Pakistan.



His comments came a day after India claimed it “successfully” tested a supersonic interceptor missile. The missile, a single stage solid rocket called Advanced Air Defence missile (AAD), is capable of using radars and electro-mechanical activators to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles in mid-air.



“Pakistan will raise its voice at the international level against these developments,” Aziz added.

Speaking on the Current Affairs Channel, the PM’s aide further said that Pakistan is not oblivious to its defence and hence will continue to acquire advanced technology to upgrade its defensive capabilities.

Aziz also pointed to the increased cooperation India is enjoying with the United States adding that Washington thinks a strong India is vital to contain China and that the two were working to contain the Beijing’s growing influence in the region.



Pakistan has oft expressed concerns over what it calls are ‘double standards’ and ‘selective treatment’ for its eastern neighbour in granting it membership to the nuclear suppliers group (NSG) and operationalisation of the nuclear deal between US and India which could have a ‘detrimental impact on deterrence stability in South Asia.’

Aziz has previously warned that “Pakistan reserves the right to safeguard its national security interests.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2016.