PM Nawaz Sharif warns world not to ignore rising tensions in South Asia
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UNITED NATIONS (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday warned the international community to ignore the "danger of rising tensions" in South Asia, at its own peril.
For its part, Pakistan was committed to the establishment of strategic stability in the region. It neither wants, nor was it engaged in an arms race with India, Prime Minister Sharif said in his address to the world body.
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The Prime Minister however pointed out that Pakistan could not ignore its Eastern neighbour's unprecedented arms build up.
"[We] will take whatever measures are necessary to maintain credible deterrence," the Prime Minister told the leaders gathering at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He said Pakistan has consistently urged the conclusion of bilateral arms control and disarmament measures between Pakistan and India to prevent conflict and avoid wasteful military expenditures.
"We are open to discussing all measures of restraint and responsibility with India, in any forum or format and without any conditions."
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was ready for talks to agree on a bilateral nuclear test ban treaty.
"Today, from this rostrum, I would also like to reiterate our offer to India to enter into a serious and sustained dialogue for the peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, especially Jammu and Kashmir. "
Prime Minister Sharif also strongly pleaded Pakistan's case for its eligibility for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group.
He said being a "responsible nuclear weapon state" Pakistan would continue to cooperate? with international efforts for disarmament and non-proliferation efforts that seek to promote fair and equitable solutions to disarmament and non-proliferation challenges.
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The Prime Minister said "judged on the basis of objective criteria, and without discrimination, Pakistan is fully eligible for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers'
Group."
He said his country has introduced `state of the art' measures to strengthen the safety and security of its nuclear materials and facilities.
"We have adopted a comprehensive export control regime that is fully consistent with international standards," he said.
