Pakistan says upgradation of its nuclear programme necessary

Islamabad, Aug 13 (UNI) Pakistan today said upgradation and maintenance of its nuclear capability was necessary to ensure credible minimum deterrence.

''However, we do not believe in conventional or nuclear arms race in South Asia,'' Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told a press briefing in Islamabad.

Asked to comment on claims of some Western officials that they knew exact location of Pakistan's nuclear installations, the spokesperson said such statements were untrue.

Such statements were based on speculation and are part of the efforts to add spice to the rumours, she said.

Ms Aslam agreed that there have been several negative statements from Washington threatrning to carry out strikes in hunt of al-Qaeda and Taliban fugitives on Pakistani soil. However, she added, there are many positive things as well.

UNI