Pak nukes may fall into terrorists’ hands: Panetta

Thursday, August 16, 2012 - Washington—There is a danger of nuclear weapons of Pakistan falling into hands of terrorists if terrorism is not controlled, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said.

“The great danger we’ve always feared is that if terrorism is not controlled in their country, than those nuclear weapons could fall into the wrong hands,” Panetta told reporters at a Pentagon news conference here.

Panetta was responding to questions on a recent Congressional report which said Pakistan is increasing its nuclear capabilities, which are mainly targeted towards India.

“When I talk to the Pakistanis, I’ve always stressed the fact that we should have common cause with regards to confronting terrorism; that terrorists not only represent a threat to our country, terrorism represents a real threat to their country as well,” he said.

“A lot of Pakistanis have died as a result of terrorism. A lot of members of their military have died as a result of terrorism. And it’s important for them to recognise that threat and to act against that threat. And in particular, it’s important because they are a nuclear power” Panetta said.—Online