President Arif Alvi has said that strategic stability in South Asia is being threatened by the offensive posture and induction of lethal weapons by India.
He was addressing the international conference on Global Non Proliferation Regime: Challenges and Response organized by Strategic Studies Institute in Islamabad on Monday.
The President pointed out that discriminatory exemptions by certain countries for the supply of nuclear technology and supply of advanced military hardare to our neighbor has further complicated the regional security and undermined the credibility of non-proliferation regime.
He said that Pakistan whilst is committed to maintain strategic stability in the region will continue to demonstrate restraint and responsibility. He said nobody should doubt Pakistan's capability to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The President urged the International community to take notice of talk of surgical strikes and limited war. He said such a posture just tends to only up the ante. He said the proponents of such fantasies will bear the responsibility of any consequences.
He hoped that good sense will prevail and that both Pakistan and India agree on the framework for strategic stability. He however regretted that our postures for peace have been reciprocated with belligerence.
He said Pakistan has relentlessly pursued the objective of keeping South Asia free of nuclear weapons despite the fact that in 1974, detonation had taken place in the region.
Our proposals for nuclear nonproliferation are well documented. He said the nuclear tests by India in 1998 ended any prospects for nuclear free zone in South Asia. We were forced to respond to the nuclear tests to maintain the strategic balance in the region.
Arif Alvi said that Pakistan has not given up the pursuit of meaningful engagement with India for confidence building measures, avoidance of arms race and risk reduction. He said both the countries need to save on arms and spend on the welfare of poor people.
He said Pakistan's proposal for a strategic restraint regime encompassing conflict resolution and maintaining conventional balance can provide a good basis for regional peace and security.
Arif Alvi pointed out that the orientation of Pakistan's Nuclear Program is civilian. We have a complete program to hardness peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
He said Pakistan which has applied for the membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group has a strong case keeping in view its efforts and contributions to non- proliferation. He said we will continue to support and participate in efforts to non-proliferation and nuclear security.
The President also called for the resolution of lingering disputes including that of Jammu and Kashmir for the world peace at large.
He pointed out that new threats are also emerging including hostile uses of outer space, offensive cyber capability and development of lethal autonomous weapon systems such as drones. He stressed for a legal binding framework to regulate the use of emerging technology.
