The Hindu Business Line : Pak claims nuclear weapons are in 'safe hands'

NEW YORK: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that nuclear weapons are safe in Pakistan and there should be no fear of their falling into terrorists hands.

“We have a command and control system for that (nuclear weapons). We're a very responsible state as far as that subject goes,'' Zardari said, appearing on “Larry King Live'' programme on CNN last night.

Mr Zardari's remarks came at a time when a just released study by the US has warned that terrorists could strike soon a major city with weapons of mass destruction and singles out Pakistan for grave concern because of its history of instability and arse nal of nuclear weapons.

“That is ever more reason that for Islamabad to get more help, more attention and more looking after,'' he said referring to the report. “So we appeal to the world and the world at large, and our neighbours, to sit down and find solutions to all problem s facing the region,'' he added.

Asked whether he agreed with assessment in the report that Pakistan could be an unwitting source of terrorist attack on the US, Zardari said it is a situation the present government has inherited war in Afghanistan and on the country's northern regions.

“That is an issue that needs to more attention and I am hoping that the new (US) administration will work with us to looking into the regional solution.'' “We've been advocating a regional solution.

We need more participation from our neighbours, India, China and extended neighbours such as the UAE. We all need to come together on a collective mindset and find solutions to that problem,'' Zardari added. – PTI

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