<p>“We are determined to retain nuclear deterrence at all cost and no compromise will be made on our core security interest,” Gilani was quoted as saying, while chairing a meeting of the Strategic Planning Division at the PM House in Islamabad.<br /><br />After a briefing on the qualitative upgrades to Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Gilani appreciated the progress in the areas of development strategy and consolidation of force goals. <br /><br />He expressed his government’s full support to the country’s strategic programme which was a vital component of Pakistan’s national security. <br /><br />The prime minister’s advisor on finance Shaukat Tareen, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Tariq Majeed, Director- General SPD Lt Gen. (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai and senior government officials attended the meeting. <br /><br />Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Army chief General Deepak Kapoor expressed his concern over reports of Pakistan’s efforts to increase the number of its nuclear warheads.<br /><br />“If the media reports are to be believed, I am told the number (of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons) is limited to 60 but it is increasing. So definitely, that is matter for concern,” Kapoor told reporters on the sidelines of a function.<br /><br />Pakistan is possibly supplementing or replacing its current uranium-based nuclear weapons arsenal with plutonium-based weapons that are more destructive and easily deliverable, a United States’ think tank had said on Thursday.<br /><br />Kapoor also urged the global community to stop Pakistan’s attempts to expand its nuclear arsenal beyond what it required for deterrence. <br /><br />“Even if Pakistan is looking at deterrence, they require a minimum amount. But when you keep increasing it, it is a matter of concern.... I think the world community should put the kind of pressure that is required for Pakistan to cap their nuclear weapons,” he said. <br /></p>
<p>“We are determined to retain nuclear deterrence at all cost and no compromise will be made on our core security interest,” Gilani was quoted as saying, while chairing a meeting of the Strategic Planning Division at the PM House in Islamabad.<br /><br />After a briefing on the qualitative upgrades to Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Gilani appreciated the progress in the areas of development strategy and consolidation of force goals. <br /><br />He expressed his government’s full support to the country’s strategic programme which was a vital component of Pakistan’s national security. <br /><br />The prime minister’s advisor on finance Shaukat Tareen, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Tariq Majeed, Director- General SPD Lt Gen. (retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai and senior government officials attended the meeting. <br /><br />Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Army chief General Deepak Kapoor expressed his concern over reports of Pakistan’s efforts to increase the number of its nuclear warheads.<br /><br />“If the media reports are to be believed, I am told the number (of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons) is limited to 60 but it is increasing. So definitely, that is matter for concern,” Kapoor told reporters on the sidelines of a function.<br /><br />Pakistan is possibly supplementing or replacing its current uranium-based nuclear weapons arsenal with plutonium-based weapons that are more destructive and easily deliverable, a United States’ think tank had said on Thursday.<br /><br />Kapoor also urged the global community to stop Pakistan’s attempts to expand its nuclear arsenal beyond what it required for deterrence. <br /><br />“Even if Pakistan is looking at deterrence, they require a minimum amount. But when you keep increasing it, it is a matter of concern.... I think the world community should put the kind of pressure that is required for Pakistan to cap their nuclear weapons,” he said. <br /></p>
