Pak will not compromise on nuclear programme: Zardari

Islamabad, Oct 9 (PTI) Pakistan will not make any compromise on its nuclear and missile programmes which are imperative for national security and meant for minimum deterrence, President Asif Ali Zardari said Thursday.

Terming Pakistan as a "responsible nuclear state,"
Zardari, who was briefed by top officials on the strategic
programmes, assured the country's atomic weapons would not
fall into the wrong hands.

Zardari said there would be no compromise on the nuclear
and missile programmes as they are imperative for the
country's security and defence.

The President was briefed on the various dimensions of
the nuclear and missile programmes at the Strategic Plans
Division (S.P.D.), which is the secretariat of the National
Command Authority for the nuclear arsenal.

Top officials assured him that a strong command and
control system was in place for the arsenal.

The briefing was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff Committee, Gen Tariq Majid, and senior officials of
the S.P.D. and relevant ministries.

Zardari also held a separate meeting with Majid and
discussed matters pertaining to the armed forces.

On the President's arrival at the Joint Staff
Headquarters, a contingent of the armed forces presented a
guard of honour to him. PTI RHL
PMR
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