By Ghazanfar Klasra
- Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and its impeccable stewardship of the nuclear program and adherence to global standards and international best practices was well acknowledged, including by the IAEA
- It is unfortunate to see Biden’s remarks on Pakistan’s nuclear program. Not sure what exactly did he mean to say. However, his assertion about Pakistan’s nuclear program isn’t likely to shake up growing ties between Pakistan and the United States of Americ
- Like all independent states, Pakistan reserves the right to protect its autonomy, sovereign statehood, and territorial integrity
Islamabad: Joe Biden’s assertion that Pakistan was a dangerous country as it possesses nuclear arms, received a sharp reaction from Pakistan’s government as well as opposition parties.
Pakistan’s acting Foreign Secretary Jauhar Saleem called in US Ambassador Donald Blome following diplomatic norms and procedures and delivered a demarche on Biden’s remarks about Pakistan’s nuclear program on 14th October during a Congressional Campaign Committee reception.
‘Pakistan’s disappointment and concern were conveyed to the US envoy on the unwarranted remarks, which were not based on ground reality or facts. It was made clear that Pakistan was a responsible nuclear state and its impeccable stewardship of the nuclear program and adherence to global standards and international best practices was well acknowledged, including by the IAEA,” a statement issued by the office of the Spokesperson of the Foreign office stated.
“The real threat to international peace and security was posed by violation of global norms by some states, repeated nuclear security incidents without any accountability, and arms race between leading nuclear weapon states and introduction of new security constructs that disturb the regional balance. It was essential to maintain the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US relations and the close cooperation between the two sides to build regional and global peace,” the statement added.
Speaking at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Los Angeles last Week on Thursday, Biden said Pakistan was “one of the most dangerous nations in the world” because it has “nuclear weapons without any cohesion,” according to a transcript of the speech released by the White House.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shot back Saturday at Biden’s comments. “Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and we are proud that our nuclear assets have the best safeguards as per IAEA requirements,” Sharif tweeted, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. “We take these safety measures with the utmost seriousness. Let no one have any doubts.”
Despite Biden’s critical remarks and Pakistani authorities’ sharp reaction, the diplomatic relationship between the two allies in the war against terrorism is likely to deepen even further. Both sides are exchanging delegations on regular basis and share thoughts on regional and International issues.
Mustansar Klasra, a PhD scholar at Quaid-i-Azam university said Biden’s remarks are unlikely to change Pakistan’s relationship with the States.
“It is unfortunate to see Biden’s remarks on Pakistan’s nuclear program. Not sure what exactly did he mean to say. However, his assertion about Pakistan’s nuclear program isn’t likely to shake up growing ties between Pakistan and the United States of America,” Mustansar Klasra who also teaches at the University of Chakwal, told The Islamabad Telegraph.
Mustansar Klasra
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who had refused to bow before US pressure and declared Pakistan a nuclear state said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state that is perfectly capable of safeguarding its national interest whilst respecting international law and practices.
“Our nuclear program is in no way a threat to any country,” he said on Twitter. “Like all independent states, Pakistan reserves the right to protect its autonomy, sovereign statehood, and territorial integrity.”
Apart from the government, Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan also rejected Biden’s statement and said Pakistan has one of the safest nuclear programs in the world.
“ Across the world, when has Pakistan shown aggression, especially post-nuclearisation? This Biden statement shows the total failure of the Imported government’s foreign policy & its claims of a “reset of relations with the US”? Is this the “reset”? This government has broken all records for incompetence,” Khan tweeted.
