Strategic assets: Pakistan strengthens security of nuclear assets
Yet another 'security' force is raised to 'impose' measures.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has augmented the security layer over its nuclear facilities by inducting a newly raised ‘Special Response Force’ to the safety procedures already in place.
The Special Response Force (SRF) – which graduated from the Strategic Plans Division Training Academy – was inducted on Monday to safeguard what the military calls ‘national strategic assets’.
Lt-Gen (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Strategic Plans Division, reviewed the passing out parade at the academy near Rawalpindi.
Speaking on the occasion, Kidwai emphasised in unequivocal terms the responsibilities of the new force.
“I’m sure if ever challenged, your response actions will serve to make an example to any potential aggressor,” a military statement quoted him as saying in his address.
After proliferation incidents of the late 90’s, apprehensions have been expressed time and again over the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear assets.
Military sources claimed that the new force would deal with any possible internal or external threats to the country’s nuclear arsenals.
“The new force has been trained over various safety security aspects, including oversight over technological and human factors. It has also been given comprehensive training to respond rapidly in case of any sabotage activity - internal or external,” a military official told The Express Tribune.
The official, who requested anonymity, claimed that Pakistan has established high standards in training on nuclear safety procedures and is in a position to offer such training to other countries.
Instructors from Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group and a number of other experts in security and crisis management imparted training to this new force, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2012.
Pakistan has augmented the security layer over its nuclear facilities by inducting a newly raised ‘Special Response Force’ to the safety procedures already in place.
The Special Response Force (SRF) – which graduated from the Strategic Plans Division Training Academy – was inducted on Monday to safeguard what the military calls ‘national strategic assets’.
Lt-Gen (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Strategic Plans Division, reviewed the passing out parade at the academy near Rawalpindi.
Speaking on the occasion, Kidwai emphasised in unequivocal terms the responsibilities of the new force.
“I’m sure if ever challenged, your response actions will serve to make an example to any potential aggressor,” a military statement quoted him as saying in his address.
After proliferation incidents of the late 90’s, apprehensions have been expressed time and again over the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear assets.
Military sources claimed that the new force would deal with any possible internal or external threats to the country’s nuclear arsenals.
“The new force has been trained over various safety security aspects, including oversight over technological and human factors. It has also been given comprehensive training to respond rapidly in case of any sabotage activity - internal or external,” a military official told The Express Tribune.
The official, who requested anonymity, claimed that Pakistan has established high standards in training on nuclear safety procedures and is in a position to offer such training to other countries.
Instructors from Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group and a number of other experts in security and crisis management imparted training to this new force, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2012.