ISLAMABAD, 4 September 2003 — Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf yesterday rejected any freeze in Pakistan’s nuclear program and hinted at upgrading technology to strengthen national security.
Musharraf “dismissed any talk of freeze or roll-back as irrelevant, outdated and totally false,” a statement issued by the Pakistan military here said.
The president who chaired a meeting of the National Command Authority, the high-level body overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear program said that “ensuring qualitative upgrades in the country’s nuclear program would fortify national security.”
He however “reiterated Pakistan’s resolve not to enter into an arms race with anyone while ensuring consolidation of Pakistan’s minimum deterrence needs.”
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and senior military officers including navy and air force chiefs, the statement said.
Musharraf said Pakistan’s nuclear program had “matured over the years and would continue to receive the top national priority.”
He also castigated international media reports regarding Pakistan’s alleged assistance to Iran’s nuclear program.
Musharraf described the reports as an “inspired and malicious campaign.”
Pakistan has a “strong non-proliferation record,” Musharraf said reiterating the country’s commitment to universal non-proliferation goals, the statement said.
