ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Roa Qamar Suleman said on Monday that Pakistan would continue to maintain the policy of credible minimum deterrence and does not wish to enter into nuclear arms race.
He was speaking as chief guest at international conference on "Fissile material treaty (FMT) Possibility and Prospects" here on Monday.
While addressing the conference, Air Chief said, "Pakistan was a reluctant to enter into the nuclear business. It decided to embark on a nuclear programme-not as a matter of choice, but out of compulsion"
Air chief said Pakistan wants to follow a policy of peaceful co-existence in the region, but at the same time it can not remain oblivious to the developments in South Asia.
He said as a nuclear weapon state, Pakistan is fully cognizant of its responsibilities, and has established effective and robust Command and Control structures along with comprehensive export control and regulatory regimes.
"These are fully compatible with international practices and global regimes-and are acknowledged internationally", he remarked.
He further said, "Pakistan considers Conference on Disarmament as the sole forum entrusted to negotiate disarmament agreements with an all encompassing view to achieve complete and general disarmament and has always remained constructively involved in its proceedings".
He said nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament objectives in South Asia are linked with regional security dynamics and the need to address existing asymmetries and resolution of outstanding disputes.
"Pakistan is a peace loving country and wants to live in the region, with honour and dignity. It has been and would always remain supportive of international non-proliferation and disarmament related initiatives, which are based on the principals of universality and non-discrimination, but shall not compromise on its national security", he said.
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