Spokesman Briefings
Date: 12/11/2007
Record of Press Briefing on 12 November, 2007
Opening Statement I A section of international media has once again published apparently inspired reports raising questions about the safety of Pakistan 's strategic assets. Such reports appear off and on and regardless of their motive, we emphatically reject the contention that there is any danger of our strategic assets falling in wrong hands. Our strategic assets are as safe as that of any other nuclear weapon state.
The highest level of institutionalized protection is accorded to Pakistan 's strategic assets to ensure their safety and security. They are under strong multi-layered, institutionalized decision making, organizational, administrative and command and control structures since 1998. Consistent with its obligations as a nuclear weapons state, Pakistan had formally instituted an elaborate Nuclear Command and Control mechanism in February 2000 that comprises (i) National Command Authority (NCA), (ii) Strategic Plans Division (SPD), and (iii) Strategic Forces. This foolproof mechanism is fully effective.
As far the irresponsible conjectures about external contingency plans, suffice it to say that Pakistan possesses adequate retaliatory capacity to defend its strategic assets and sovereignty.
Opening Statement II
Pakistan has always played an active role in the deliberations of the UN system. We have supported the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and have pursued our national interests in the international body. It is an acknowledgement of Pakistan 's services that recently we have been elected to three important organs of the UN.
a) Pakistan was elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period 2008-2010 by the General Assembly with an overwhelming majority securing 177 out of 188 votes cast. ECOSOC is mandated to oversee the work executed by the UN specialized agencies. Our election will give us an opportunity to continue to play a vital and constructive role in the future deliberations of ECOSOC.
b) Pakistan has been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board. We have been a member of the board since 1951 except for the period 1974-1978. Our presence on the board allows us to make a meaningful contribution to UNESCO objectives by promoting international collaboration in the areas of education, science, and culture.
c) Pakistan has also been elected for the fourth time to the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) and will serve on the Board for three years. ACABQ considers and reports to the General Assembly on the accounts of the United Nations and advises it on budgetary issues.
Question/Answer Session
Q: What are the motives behind the reports against the nuclear programme of Pakistan which appear so frequently?
A: We have said it time and again that these reports are inspired. They are written with a certain agenda. Same cannot see a developing country like Pakistan with nuclear technology or with nuclear deterrence. These circles feel a sort of discomfort, that they often show, about the nuclear capability of Pakistan . I think the reports you have mentioned should be viewed in this light.
Q: Can you comment of CMAG? Will they suspend the membership of Pakistan ?
A: Well the meeting will be held today at 7:00 PM Pakistan time. It is too early for me to comment on a meeting which will be held four hours from now.
Q: Does Pakistan have any fears with respect to the Commonwealth meeting?
A: We are part of an international system and we will address any decision taken by the Commonwealth as and when it is taken.
Q: Can you update us on IPI?
A: The technical talks are continuing and we hope they will be concluded as early as possible and I will be able to give you news from this podium.
Q: Is India participating in these talks?
A: India was not present in the talks in Tehran but Pakistan and Iran are in touch with India on IPI.
Q: Your opening statement comprised very brave words but the fact is that Pakistani scientists have been involved in proliferation and also that other nuclear weapon states do not have to deal with the situation that Pakistan is currently facing e.g. the Red Mosque incident where militants armed with high technology weapons were operating right under the nose of ISI. Keeping this in mind aren't you worried that some elements may try to take advantage of this situation?
A: I agree my words are brave. But they are brave because we are sure of them. If you read the report which appeared last night, it recognizes that our strategic assets are well protected. The report mentions that despite all their resources and reach, the US does not know where the strategic assets are located. So I wonder how people hiding in remote mountains can access this information and take control of our strategic assets. So rest assured our strategic assets are safe.
Q: The Indian National Security Adviser stated recently that the domestic situation in Pakistan could destabilize the border and pose a threat of cross border infiltration. What are your comments on this?
A: We have seen the news reports. I think this is a little far fetched. How can domestic political activity destabilize the borders between the two countries? The borders are well protected by troops on both sides and I don't think that by any stretch of imagination one could say that a procession in Islamabad or Lahore could affect the security on the border.
Q: Can you elaborate how important the Commonwealth membership is for Pakistan ?
A: Commonwealth membership is a result of our historic relationship with the Britain Empire. Diplomatically it gives us a forum to interact with the nations of the world. Diplomacy is about interacting with the world and in that respect we value Commonwealth's membership.
Q: Has Pakistan ever asked the US to provide assistance to guard its nuclear assets?
A: Pakistan believes in following the best practices being followed all over the world on nuclear safety. The Special Plans Division deals with this aspect of the strategic assets as well as with enhancing the deterrence capacity of these assets. But I can't comment about any particular country, organization or body with which we may, or may not, have cooperation. It is an important technology for our survival and we believe learning from other nations has a value.
Q: Indian Defense Minister has been allegedly asked to aid in ensuring stability in the neighboring region. What are your comments on this?
A: I am not aware of any such proposal. This, in all likelihood, is a speculative report.
Q: There have been reports that the UK Government has requested access to imprisoned lawyers. How far is this true and what is the response of the Government of Pakistan?
A: I don't know who has requested to meet who. If any such request is made the Government of Pakistan will decide in light of the ground situation and our laws whether such access would be allowed. Beyond seeing a small news item in an Urdu newspaper I am not aware of any such request by the British government.
Q: There are reports on the TV that members of CMAG have said that membership of Pakistan in the Commonwealth would be suspended if emergency is not lifted. How do you comment on this?
A: The meeting has not taken place yet. No member of the CMAG can make such a comment before the meeting.
Q: Foreign governments have expressed concern about the curbs on the media in Pakistan . How does the Foreign Office comment on this?
A: We know the concerns of the foreign governments. First and foremost, these are also the concerns of the people and the government of Pakistan . The President himself has said that these limited measures were taken with heavy heart. They were unavoidable in the current situation. We would like our friends abroad to understand the gravity of the situation in response to which this step was taken.
Q: Is the Government waiting for the banned media channels to take an oath under the PCO before lifting the curbs?
A: This is more of a statement then a question. This is not a forum to discuss such statements.
Q: How much importance does Pakistan attach to being a member of the Commonwealth? Did the Government of Pakistan have any contact with members of the CMAG earlier and on what grounds is it pleading its case?
A: We have contacts with the members of CMAG. The position of the Government of Pakistan is very clear. It is well represented in the Proclamation of Emergency itself, and in the statements of the President and the Prime Minister.
Q: Iranian officials repeatedly state that Pakistan and Iran have finalized the price of gas but there have been no comments by the Pakistani side. What are your comments on that?
A: We spoke about it earlier. We need imported energy to ensure energy security and Iranian gas will play an important role facilitating this. Talks with Iran at this stage are of technical nature and are being conducted by the concerned technical Ministry. Please rest assured that we are committed to the project and the talks are progressing.
Q: After imposition of emergency the situation in NWFP has worsened and recently the Chinese workers were withdrawn from their projects in Swat. What are your comments?
A: Swat situation has developed over a period of time. The Chinese workers in Swat were moved because the security situation wasn't very good. However, this is a temporary measure and as soon as the security situation improves they will return to complete their projects.
Q: Post 9/11, US seems obsessed with the security of the nuclear assets of Pakistan as evident also by recent reports in the print media. Has the US ever raised this matter with the Government of Pakistan officially at any level?
A: What all we see are speculative and inspired media reports on Pakistan 's nuclear programme and strategic assets.
Q: 14 US senators have sent a letter to the President about the release of Aitezaz Ahsan. Has there been any response to this?
A: I don't think a response was required. The Pakistani authorities – our Embassy in Washington – is in touch with the US legislatures on the developments in domestic situation.
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