Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi openly agreed of having developed short range nuclear weapons to counter the Indian Army’s cold start doctrine. In a discussion with top American think tank, Abbasi asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is safe and secure.
‘Yes, we have a very robust and secure command and control system over our strategic nuclear assets. Time has proved that it is a process that is very secure. It is a process that has complete civilian oversight through the NCA.
As far as tactical nuclear weapons, we do not have any fielded tactical nuclear weapons. We have developed short range nuclear weapons as a counter to the Cold Start doctrine that India has developed. Again, those are in the same command and control authority that controls the other strategic weapons.
Pakistan is a responsible global citizen and we have shown a responsibility on the ground with this huge war on terror that we have been fighting for the last 15 years,’ Abbasi further added.
A reaction from Indian side is further awaited.