Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal on Friday said that the government is fully alive to its obligations to country's defence and security of nuclear programme.
"Country's defence is in strong hands and the government is fully aware of its responsibilities to protect our geographical boundaries and the nuclear programme," he said while talking to newsmen in his chamber in National Assembly.
He categorically said that there is no reason to roll back nuclear programme and it is controlled by National Command and Control Authority.
"Our nuclear capability is strictly for our defence and it can never be rolled back," he said.
Replying to a question, the minister said, "there is a possibility of provision of F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan from the United States."
When asked about handing over Dr Qadeer Khan to United States, Rao Sikandar said, Dr Qadeer Khan will not be handed over to United States.
The United States has also not asked Pakistan to hand over Dr Qadeer to them, he added.
To another question, the minister said that Pakistan's relations with Libya and Iran will not be affected due to nuclear issue.
About merger of Patriot and Sherpao groups of PPP, he said that our case is with the Election Commission of Pakistan and there is a hope for an early decision on it.
"As soon as the Election Commission takes decision on this matter, both the groups will merge into one," he added.
Comments
Comments are closed.