No compromise on Pakistan's nuclear programme, Sartaj Aziz informs Senate

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - Prime Minister's Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that national security is top priority of the government and there would be no compromise on the country's nuclear programme.

Responding to an adjournment motion about statement of US Secretary of State John Kerry in which he said that Saudi Arabia could purchase a nuclear bomb from Pakistan, Sartaj Aziz said the statement of US Secretary of State was misquoted by the media.

The Advisor said that Pakistan's nuclear programme is for deterrence and the entire world is appreciative of its Command and Control System.

He said that during the visit of Prime Minister to the United States and his own visit to Washington, the US authorities were categorically told that Pakistan would not accept any restriction on its nuclear programme.

They were told that the concept of deterrence is dynamic and Pakistan would have to take care of capacity and advances being made by its rival.

The Advisor said Pakistan with the cooperation of China had successfully blocked India's bid to seek membership of the Nuclear Supplier Group.

He rejected the statement of Indian Defence Minister that the Pakistan government was linked to the Pathankot attack.