ISLAMABAD: The National Command Authority (NCA) on Thursday expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s capability to address any form of aggression and reiterated Islamabad’s policy of developing and maintaining full spectrum deterrence in line with the policy of minimum credible deterrence and avoidance of arms race in the region. The NCA expressed concern over stockpiling of nuclear arms and plans for installation of ballistic missile defence system by Pakistan’s neighbours — an apparent reference to India — and noted that massive arms build-up in the conventional domain and nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean region could undermine strategic stability in South Asia, according to a press release issued by the PM House. “The NCA asserted that Pakistan desires peaceful co-existence in the region and will endeavour to work with its neighbours to ensure strategic stability in South Asia,” the press release said. 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. The NCA noted with satisfaction the implementation of national comprehensive export control measures which are in line the with international export control regimes. It reiterated that Pakistan has the requisite credentials to become part of various non-proliferation regimes, including the NSG, for which Pakistan seeks adoption of a non-discriminatory criteria-based approach. The statement from the NCA, the central body controlling the nuclear arsenal, came three days after the United States in its new national security strategy urged Pakistan to demonstrate that ‘it’s a responsible steward’ of its nuclear assets. The NCA congratulated the scientists and engineers on their contributions to strengthening national defence capabilities. It appreciated the technological sophistication demonstrated during the tests of the Babur III submarine-launched cruise missile and Ababeel missile system, which have ushered a new era in technological sophistication of Pakistan’s strategic capabilities. It appreciated the high standard of training and operational readiness of the strategic forces to meet all kinds of threats. The high-level huddle was attended by the federal ministers for interior and defence as well as the three services chiefs, the directors general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Strategic Plans Division (SPD), foreign affairs secretary and other senior officials. The authority was briefed on the National Space Programme-2047 and Nuclear Power Programme for peaceful uses of nuclear technology to meet the growing energy needs. It endorsed both programmes as they are essential for future national socio-economic prosperity and growth. The NCA particularly noted the potential of space programme in almost all current and emerging civilian sectors, ensuring resource generation and optimisation. The role of nuclear applications in health, agriculture, medicine and industry was deeply appreciated. Published in Daily Times, December 22nd 2017.