Pakistan not to slash nuclear program, says defense minister
IRNA
Islamabad, May 28, IRNA -- Pakistan defense minister Wednesday stated
that Pakistan would never slash its nuclear program and said all needs
of the armed forces would be fulfilled.
"Pakistan will never try to curtail its nuclear power," Defense
Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal told a news conference in Islamabad.
The minister's statement coincided with the fifth anniversary of
Pakistan's nuclear tests.
Pakistan conducted nuclear test on May 28, 1989, in response to
similar tests by arch-rival India.
Both countries conduct tests of nuclear-capable missiles
time-to-time.
"All the needs of the defense forces are being met with and in
case any further requirements are found these will also be met with
accordingly," the minister said in response to a question that if
India hike it defence spending.
"Pakistan in no way will be behind India -- we are well aware of
the situation and we will not lag behind in any case," Rao said.
On the question that when Pakistan and India are restoring air
link, he said, the steps are being taken by the two sides and the
decision would be made in the due course.
Diplomatic, air and transport links between the two countries were
broken after attack on the Indian parliament in December, 2001.
India blamed Pakistan for the attack and massed troops on its
border, which led Pakistan to do the same and brought about a
prolonged confrontation.
Pakistan had denied any involvement and had condemned the
parliament attack.
He termed his recent visit to Turkey as successful and said he
discussed with Turkish officials defense cooperation with special
regard to the defense production sector.
"We will exchange expertise and cooperate in such fields where
they lack and vice versa," he said. During his visit, he said, he had
the opportunity to meet the top civil and military leadership of
Republic of Turkey.
/MMZ/AH/AR
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