Title: Pakistan Calls for Credible Minimum Deterrence to Ensure Regional Stability
Amid Rising Tensions, Pakistan Urges Credible Deterrence for Stability
In a statement, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, emphasized the importance of strategic stability in Pakistan-India relations. He highlighted the need for credible minimum deterrence to prevent instability, which he warned could lead to far more dangerous consequences.
Aziz addressed an international conference on Strengthening Peace and Cooperation in South Asia, organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute. He claimed that Pakistan is maintaining minimum nuclear deterrence to ensure peace and stability in the region. He called on the international community to stop policies and actions that undermine strategic stability in South Asia.
Aziz also criticized India for its stance on the Kashmir issue, stating that India is responding to the indigenous struggle of Kashmiris for self-determination by denying and confusing the issue. He criticized India for labeling the Kashmiri struggle as terrorism and declaring Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India.
Aziz emphasized that Pakistan would continue to seek normalcy in its relationship with India and promote steps towards settling all lingering disputes, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. He also called for a criteria-based and non-discriminatory approach for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), asserting that otherwise it could affect strategic stability in the region.
Pakistan’s application for NSG membership should be evaluated on the basis of fair criteria, according to Aziz.
Published: November 22, 2016, 5:10 pm IST
Reference : https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Credible-minimum-deterrence-needed-for-regional-stabilityAziz/article16722203.ece
