Pakistan Dismisses Concern Over US Intelligence Surveillance Activities

Islamabad, Sept 4, IRNA – Pakistan on Tuesday dismissed fears over the security of its nuclear programme following American media reports that the United States has intensified surveillance of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and tries to evaluate the loyalty of Pakistani counter terrorism agents recruited by the CIA. “Washington Post” reports that the documents available with the paper reveal broad new levels of mistrust in an already fragile security partnership and US efforts to gather intelligence on Pakistan are more extensive than previously disclosed by US officials. Responding to a query regarding a Washington Post story, the Foreign Ministry said Pakistan has established extensive physical protection measures, robust command and control institutions under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, comprehensive and effective export controls regulatory regimes to ensure safety and security of nuclear installations and materials. “We follow best international practices and standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It said Pakistan is also fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues. “The efficacy of our strategic export controls has been acknowledged by experts from the international export control regimes during interactions on various occasions.” The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan is a state party to both Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention and is fully implementing the two regimes. The Spokesman further added that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence capability is aimed at maintaining regional stability in South Asia. “Pakistan is fully committed to objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation. As a nuclear weapons state, Pakistan’s policy is characterized by restraint and responsibility,” he said./end