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Islamabad, 14 December 2010
The National Command Authority (NCA) met on 14 December 2010 under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Members of the NCA, including Federal Ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Service Chiefs and senior officials attended the meeting. It reviewed recent global and regional developments and their implications for Pakistan’s national security.
The NCA expressed concern over policies and trends of selectivity, exceptionalism and discrimination relating to strategic export control regimes. Such policies, detrimental as they are to international peace and security, undermine the credibility of the existing non-proliferation regime and are inconsistent with the national laws and international obligations. Revisionism based on strategic, political or commercial considerations accentuates asymmetries and would perpetuate instability, especially in South Asia.
The NCA underscored that peace and security are indivisible and that the goals of non-proliferation could only be advanced by ensuring equal and undiminished security for all states. Regional balance and strategic stability in South Asia are indispensable for peace, sustained development and prosperity for the region and beyond.
The NCA categorically reiterated that Pakistan will never accept discriminatory treatment and that it rejects any effort to undermine its strategic deterrence. Pakistan will not be a party to any approach that is prejudicial to its legitimate national security interests.
As a nuclear weapon state, Pakistan is fully cognizant of its responsibilities and has established effective and robust Command and Control structures and comprehensive export control and regulatory regimes. These are fully compatible with international best practices and global regimes - and are acknowledged internationally.
The NCA underscored that Pakistan shared the goals of non-proliferation and was prepared to work with other nuclear powers on an equal footing to advance these goals. As a state with advanced nuclear technology, Pakistan was also prepared to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, under the appropriate IAEA framework.
The NCA expressed satisfaction on the pace of development and effectiveness of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence. It reaffirmed that all requisite steps will be taken to ensure Pakistan’s national security and to maintain credible deterrence.