Pakistan says it is averse to introducing new defence systems

Islamabad, Dec 26 (UNI) Pakistan said today it was averse to introducing new defence systems as it would trigger arms race in South Asia.

''The arms race will have negative impact on the social life of the people of the region,'' Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told a press briefing in Islamabad while commenting on recent missile tests by India.

He said the Indian tests were part of missile defence shield and Pakistan was against introducing new defence system, adding that it would trigger arms race in South Asia.

He, however made it clear that Pakistan would take every possible step for its defence.

About Pakistan-India composite dialogue process, the spokesman said the 4th round will begin early next year.

The two countries had resumed their long-stalled talks in January 2004 to resolve all outstanding problems including the vexed Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesman said the judicial committee set up to facilitate the exchange of Indian and Pakistani prisoners will soon meet in India to address his humanitarian issue.

He said there are four hundred and fifty Pakistani prisoners in India while five hundred Indian prisoners are in Pakistani jails.

UNI