Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday said the misleading speculations about Pakistan’s nuclear and missile program were unfortunate as stringent, fool-proof and multi-layered security safeguards, duly testified by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), were in place.
In a tweet, the premier said, “the stringent, fool-proof and multi-layered security safeguards, duly testified by IAEA, are in place. Our nuclear program represents the unwavering consensus of the nation and is for deterrence.”
The misleading speculations about Pakistan's nuclear & missile program are unfortunate. The stringent, fool-proof & multi-layered security safeguards, duly testified by IAEA, are in place. Our nuclear program represents the unwavering consensus of the nation & is for deterrence.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 16, 2023
Similar to PM Shehbaz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also asserted that there would be “no compromise” on the country’s nuclear and missile programme, adding that they are “jealously guarded by the state”.
The statements from the top came amid concerns raised by some quarters after the visit of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) head to Pakistan last month and the government’s failure to strike a deal with IMF to resume a stalled loan programme, which would offer a critical lifeline to avert an economic meltdown.
Response to a query raised by an honourable Senator as to the causes of delay in signing off the Staff Level Agreement with IMF during Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Senate of Pakistan👇 pic.twitter.com/BMECbZNXUs
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 16, 2023
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday noted that press releases, queries and various assertions regarding Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme were being circulated on social and print media.
Even a “traditional routine visit” of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi was portrayed in a “negative spotlight”, it said.
“It is emphasised that Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme is a national asset, which is jealously guarded by the state. The complete programme is totally secure, foolproof and under no stress or pressure whatsoever,” the statement said.
“It continues to fully serve the purpose for which this capability was developed,” it added.
