Gilani admits threat of 'dirty bombs' more real than ever

Washington, Apr.14 (ANI): Admitting for the first time that the threat of extremists having nuclear bombs is more real than ever, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has once again assured the international community that Islamabad has made all possible arrangements to ward off any 'misadventure on this count.'

Speaking during a dinner hosted by US President Barak Obama on the concluding day of the two-day nuclear security summit, Gilani admitted that the threat of terrorist acts involving 'dirty bombs' are more real than ever and have global dimensions.

"The threat of terrorist acts involving dirty bombs is more real and it has global dimensions. We should take additional measures to combat this threat," The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

He insisted that his country's 'democratic' government is fully committed to ensure nuclear security and has taken comprehensive steps to prevent any untoward incident.

"We have done so, first and foremost, in our own national interest and to protect our strategic assets. Our nuclear security system is managed and supported by a three-tier command and control system, a regulatory regime covering nuclear security, and comprehensive export controls," Gilani said.

Pushing for greater coordination between nuclear powered countries over the issue, Gilani said it is important to promote a responsive and resilient nuclear security culture.

"Success would ultimately depend on national actions. So far, reported incidents of illicit trafficking of direct use of nuclear material have been low. But there is no room for complacency here. We need strong national actions and greater international coordination to prevent illicit trafficking in uclear materials," he added. (ANI)