NEW YORK, Sept 21 - Pakistan has developed short-range nuclear weapons to counter the �Cold Start� doctrine of the Indian Army, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said today.
On his maiden visit to the US as Pakistan Prime Minister, Abbasi also said that Pakistan�s nuclear arsenal was safe and secure.
On the assertion that Pakistan has the fastest growing nuclear arsenal in the world, Abbasi said: �As far as tactical nuclear weapons (are concerned), we do not have any field 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,� Abbasi said in response to a question at the Council on Foreign Relations, a top American think-tank.
�Cold Start doctrine� was developed by the Indian Army for a possible war with Pakistan. This doctrine involves various branches of the Army conducting offensive operations as part of unified battle groups.
The doctrine intends to allow India�s conventional forces to perform holding attacks to prevent nuclear retaliation from Pakistan in case of a conflict.
�We have a very robust and secure command-and-control system over our strategic nuclear assets. Time has proved that it�s a process that is very secure. It�s a process that has complete civilian oversight through the NCA,� Abbasi said.
The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of Pakistan is responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding the country�s nuclear arsenals. � PTI
