Pakistan on Thursday said it would maintain the security of its nuclear deterrence especially in the light of changing regional environment, Xinhua reported.
Addressing the weekly news briefing here, the Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said nuclear deterrence is the corner stone of Pakistan's security and enjoys complete national consensus.
"Pakistan is committed to maintaining a strong, effective and multi-layered command and control and nuclear security system. It also continues to support international non-proliferation efforts, " said Abdul Basit.
He said no amount of coercion, direct or indirect, will ever force Pakistan to compromise on its core security interests.
He said that the nuclear deterrence in the region is an indispensable factor of stability in south Asia. "The international community must play its role in augmenting the strategic stability and refrain from policies that undermine it," he said.
"Pakistan is opposed to nuclear arms race but it cannot remain oblivious to increasing conventional asymmetry and unrelenting arms acquisition as well as preferential treatment being given to certain countries of the region," said the spokesman.
Responding to questions, Abdul Basit said that reports appearing in the Western media about Pakistan's nuclear assets were part of the malicious campaign against the country.
To another question about willingness of France to supply nuclear power plants, the spokesman said the two countries would commence negotiations on a framework agreement in July this year, which will cover all aspects of bilateral relations including cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
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