No talks with US on civil nuclear deal: Pakistan

Washington, Oct 22: Pakistan has refuted reports that it is likely to discuss a civil nuclear deal with the US, dismissing them as matters of speculation.

"There was no discussion on civil nuclear deal today. Neither it is going on. It is all a matter of speculation," Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry told reporters here.

The denial comes amid reports that a civil nuclear deal is likely to come up for discussion during the meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama today.

Chaudhry also denied making a statement earlier this week that Pakistan's "low-yield, tactical nuclear weapons" would make it difficult for India to launch a war against it while remaining under the nuclear threshold.

"We do not talk about operational details," he said.

He said that Pakistan's nuclear weapons were to deter any attack by India. "It is deterrence. It would be full spectrum nuclear deterrence," he said.

"The US and Pakistan have been holding discussions on Pakistan's nuclear safety and security and this will continue.

The US has expressed confidence over Pakistan's command and control structure of its nuclear weapons," he said.

Earlier in the day, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said the two countries would continue to hold regular discussions on a range of issues including nuclear security.

"Pakistan, I would note, is engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues. I'd also note that they have a professional and dedicated security force that understands the importance of nuclear security," Kirby said.

PTI