Pakistan to take every step to increase defense capability: Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - The Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that Pakistan will take all possible measures to augment its defense capability.

Winding up discussion on an adjournment motion moved by Javed Abbassi in the Senate over the recent Indian test-fire of a supersonic interceptor missile, he said that Pakistan was not oblivious to its defense requirements and was upgrading its capabilities without entering into arms race.

Related: India test-fires advanced interceptor missile

The advisor said Pakistan's efforts for peace and friendship must not be interpreted as weakness, as the country is fully capable of defending its people and territory.

Aziz said that Pakistani scientists and experts constantly monitor and evaluate the strategic threats that the Indian nuclear doctrine poses to Pakistan's security. Despite limited resources, Pakistan has developed a robust nuclear deterrent system whose safety and security is acknowledged worldwide.

Read more: Pakistan expresses concern over India’s interceptor missile test

On the diplomatic front, the Advisor said that one specific proposal being considered by the government involved moving a resolution in the next session of the UN General Assembly to declare the Indian Ocean a nuclear free zone. We will approach other countries as well to co sponsor this resolution.

About the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Advisor said Pakistan has undertaken a proactive diplomatic offensive in all the member countries of the group.

He said our lobbying in the United States is quite active and our missions are also very active to protect the country's interests.