ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India have agreed to extend their bilateral agreement on reducing the risk from accidents relating to nuclear weapons for the next five years (2017-2022). The agreement came into force in 2007 and was subsequently extended for a period of five years in 2012. “In accordance with Article 8 of the Agreement between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on reducing the risk of accidents relating to nuclear weapons, both countries have agreed to extend the agreement for a further period of five years,” reads a statement issued by India’s foreign ministry. The agreement constitutes a part of the confidence building measures (CBMs) agreed between the archrivals. The pact is aimed at promoting a stable environment of peace and security between the two countries. It is premised on the recognition that the nuclear dimension of the security environment of the two countries adds to their responsibility for avoidance of conflict. It provides for immediate exchange of information between the two countries in the event of any accident relating to nuclear weapons – under their respective jurisdiction and control – which could create the risk of radioactive fallout with adverse consequences for both sides, or create the risk of an outbreak of a nuclear war.