RAWALPINDI: ( Thu 21st Dec, 2017) The National Command Authority (NCA) noted with concern certain destabilizing actions in Pakistan’s neighborhood, which undermine the objective of maintaining strategic stability in South Asia.
These actions include massive arms build-up in the conventional domain, nuclearization of the Indian Ocean Region and plans for development, deployment of ballistic missile defence (BMD).
The NCA appreciated the high standards of training and operational readiness of strategic forces to meet all kinds of threats. The authority’s 23rd meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Minister for Defence Engineer Khuram Dastgir Khan, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Chairman JSC General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javaid Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Soahil Aman, Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Sarfraz Sattar, Director General Inter Services Intelligence Lieutenant General Navid Mukhtar, Secretary Foreign Affairs Ms. Tehmina Janjua and other senior officers attended the meeting.
The National Command Authority was briefed comprehensively on the strategic environment. Strategic observers are of view that the NCA meeting is significant in the wake of recent assertions by Washington expressing an apprehension of a nuclear clash between Pakistan and India.
It has been officially stated that the NCA took stock of the regional security environment and noted with concern certain destabilizing actions in Pakistan’s neighborhood, which undermine maintaining strategic stability in South Asia. These include massive arms build-up in the conventional domain, nuclearization of Indian Ocean Region and plans for the development, deployment of BMD.
Expressing full confidence in Pakistan’s capability to address any form of aggression, the NCA reiterated the country’s policy of developing and maintaining Full Spectrum Deterrence, in line with the policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence and avoidance of arms race. It congratulated scientists and engineers on their contributions to strengthen the national defence capabilities.
It also appreciated the technological sophistication demonstrated during the tests of Babur III SLCM (Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile) and Ababeel Missile System, which have ushered a new era in technological sophistication of Pakistan’s strategic capabilities.
The NCA took a detailed review of the Nuclear Security Regime and expressed full confidence in the command and control systems and security measures in-place to ensure comprehensive stewardship and security of strategic assets and materials. It re-affirmed that as a responsible nuclear state Pakistan would continue to contribute meaningfully towards the global efforts to improve nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation measures. The NCA appreciated the high standards of training and operational readiness of the strategic forces to meet all kinds of threats.
It asserted that Pakistan desired peaceful co-existence in the region and will endeavor to work with its neighbors to ensure strategic stability in South Asia. The NCA noted with satisfaction the implementation of national comprehensive export control measures, which are in line with international export control regimes. It reiterated that Pakistan had the requisite credentials to become part of various non-proliferation regimes, including the NSG, for which it sought adoption of a non-discriminatory criteria based approach.
The Authority was also briefed on National Space Programme – 2047 and ‘Nuclear Power Programme’ for peaceful uses of nuclear technology, to meet growing energy needs. The NCA fully endorsed both these programmes, as these are essential for future national socio-economic prosperity and growth. It particularly noted the potential of space programme in almost all current and emerging civilian sectors, ensuring resource generation and optimization. The role of nuclear applications in health, agriculture, medicine and industry was deeply appreciated.
The NCA reiterated Pakistan’s interest in expanding international cooperation in these areas and play a positive role towards achieving the sustainable development goals as a provider of expertise and services in peaceful nuclear application.
Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Sarfraz Sattar who is also Secretary of the NCA briefed the huddle regarding relevant developments, the sources added. Interestingly, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif did not attend the meeting. He is also a regular member of the Authority.
‘Courtesy The News International’