Nuclearisation of Indian Ocean undermining South Asia's strategic stability: NCA

The National Command Authority (NCA) on Thursday expressed concern over the stockpiling of nuclear arms and installation of Ballistic Missile Defence system by Pakistan's neighbours, an apparent reference to India, noting that such destabilising manoeuvres could undermine strategic stability in South Asia.

The 23rd meeting of the NCA, chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, backed Pakistan's defence forces to hold their own in case of any acts of aggression by the adversaries, but reaffirmed its commitment to Full Spectrum Deterrence — the principle on which Pakistan's nuclear strategy is based.

The meeting expressed full confidence in security measures in place to protect the nation's strategic assets, and reiterated that as a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan will keep on improving its nuclear security as well as non-proliferation measures.

During the meeting, the high standards of training and operational readiness of the strategic forces to dispel all kinds of threats was also praised.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister of Defence and Interior, Chairman JSC, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Director General Inter Services Intelligence, Secretary Foreign Affairs and other senior officials.