Pakistan to maintain full spectrum deterrence capability: NCA

National Command Authority says Pakistan will avoid arms race; shares goals of non-proliferation

National Command Authority reiterated on Wednesday the country’s resolve to maintain full spectrum deterrence capability to deter all forms of aggression and adhere to a policy of avoiding an arms race.

“In view of the growing conventional asymmetry, the NCA reiterated the nation’s resolve to maintain full spectrum deterrence capability in line with the dictates of ‘credible minimum deterrence’ to deter all forms of aggression, adhering to the policy of avoiding an arms race,” DG ISPR Asim Bajwa said, regarding the meeting.

The NCA reaffirmed that the state remains fully cognizant of the evolving security dynamics of South Asia and will take all measures to safeguard its national security. “Pakistan seeks peace and strategic stability in South Asia as corner stone of its policy and considers conflict resolution, as the mean to achieve this end,” Bajwa added.

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"Pakistan shares the goals of non-proliferation and is committed to play its due role as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regimes," the NCA further said.

As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan will remain actively engaged with the international community on nuclear stability and security issues, the NCA decided.

In its appraisal of the non-proliferation debate since the last meeting, the NCA expressed satisfaction on Pakistan’s enhanced outreach with multilateral export control regimes. Pakistan shares the goals of non-proliferation and is committed to play its due role as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regimes.

Further, the NCA reposed full confidence in Pakistan’s robust nuclear command and control structure and security arrangements related to country’s strategic assets.

The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reviewed the internal security situation and acknowledged the sacrifices and appreciated successes of the Armed Forces in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Pakistan’s interest in joining multilateral export control regimes on non-discriminatory basis, including the membership of NSG were also reviewed. Pakistan has the requisite credentials for full access to civil nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, particularly to meet its energy shortages.

The meeting was attended by defence minister, finance and interior minister, the Adviser to the Prime Minister for National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz among others.