Pakistan, US ‘quietly’ defuse tension on Biden’s nuke remarks

Days after US President Joe Biden’s controversial remarks questioning the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, Islamabad and Washington have been working quietly to make sure recent efforts seeking a reset in the relationship remain on track.

Official sources confirmed to The Express Tribune on Monday that the US conveyed to Pakistan that President Biden’s statement did not mean any new demand or policy shift in Washington’s approach.

Although Pakistan rejected Biden’s statement and summoned the US ambassador to record a formal protest, both countries are keen to move on from the controversy.

Sources said Ambassador Donald Blome during his meeting with the foreign secretary on Saturday explained in detail about the context of Biden’s statement.

The US envoy assured that the Biden administration wanted to see a “prosperous and stable” Pakistan.

The government too is keen to focus on the positive engagement between the two countries instead of getting bogged down to what was seen as off the cuff remarks by President Biden.

Also read: Biden’s nuclear remarks spark outrage in Pakistan

"What I think is maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world: Pakistan. Nuclear weapons without any cohesion,” remarked President Biden at Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Reception last Thursday. The story came to light when the White House released the transcript on Saturday. Though the White House spokesperson later played down Biden’s remarks insisting the US President wanted stable and prosperous Pakistan, the damage had already been done.

The remarks triggered an immediate backlash from Pakistan, which summoned the US envoy in Islamabad to explain Biden’s uncalled for remarks. “I am surprised at President Biden’s statement,” Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reacted at a news conference in Karachi hours after the White House released Biden’s transcript.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a tweet dismissed concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear programme. “Let me reiterate unequivocally: Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and we are proud that our nuclear assets have the best safeguards as per IAEA requirements. We take these safety measures with the utmost seriousness. Let no one have any doubts,” he tweeted.

In a separate statement, the Prime Minister's Office said Pakistan rejected the remarks reportedly made by the US President, which were “factually incorrect and misleading”.

“Over the past decades, Pakistan has proven to be a most responsible nuclear state, wherein its nuclear programme is managed through a technically sound and foolproof command and control system,” the statement said.

It noted that Pakistan had also consistently demonstrated responsible stewardship of its nuclear-weapons capability, marked by a very strong commitment to global standards, including those of IAEA on non-proliferation, safety, and security.

Despite issuing strong rejoinder to Biden’s remarks, both Prime Minister Shehbaz and Foreign Minister Bilawal emphasised Pakistan's desire to seek “friendly and mutually beneficial” relationship with the United States.

Also read: Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Biden's nuke remarks

“Pakistan and the US have a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial relationship. At a time when the world is confronted by huge global challenges, it is critically important that genuine and durable efforts are made to recognise the real potential of Pakistan-US relationship, while avoiding unnecessary comments. It is our sincere desire to cooperate with the US to promote regional peace and security.”

Bilawal was confident this would not sour relationship between the two countries.

"I don't believe it negatively impacts the relations between Pakistan and the US. We will continue on the positive trajectory of engagements we are having so far," the foreign minister stressed.

He also tried to play down Biden’s statement by suggesting that it was a fundraiser event and not an official statement, something he said must be looked into this aspect too.