In the backdrop of reports that the country was facing indirect pressure through International Monetary Fund (IMF) over its nuclear programme and assets, a top US General has expressed confidence in command and control structure of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen Michael E. Kurilla remarked, “I am confident in their nuclear security procedures.”
The security and safety of Pakistan’s nuclear assets and programme has never been in doubt as the country has a robust command and control system, there is no history of any theft of nuclear material or equipment and even the United States and other advanced countries having latest technology are unaware about exact location of our nuclear warheads. The command and control system has been developed in close coordination with the United States and therefore, there was no reason Washington should have expressed any concern in this regard. The US general has rightly pointed out that concerns right now in Pakistan were their budget, their financial situation, the current political situation and counter-terrorism situation yet despite all this he expressed confidence over ability of the country to secure its nuclear programmes and assets.
The remarks of the CENTCOM chief would help alleviate concerns in Pakistan, which were triggered by consistent media reports and subsequent statement of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the Senate that nobody has any right to tell Pakistan what range of missiles it can have. In fact, there can be no concerns or complaints about safety of nuclear assets and materials because of foolproof mechanism evolved by the country in this regard yet real question is recognition of Pakistan as a nuclear power, which is not acceptable to some countries and that is why different tools are used to advance their real agenda. Things would become clear in near future based on outcome of the talks with the IMF, which otherwise stand completed as far as economic and financial reforms are concerned.
