U.S. Seeks Access to Pakistani Nuclear Command

Seeking assurances about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, the United States has asked Islamabad to provide a U.S. official with direct access to the Pakistani Nuclear Command Authority, The News reported yesterday (see GSN, April 9).

The U.S. plan calls for an embassy official to be permanently assigned to monitor Pakistani nuclear issues, according the News.  An embassy spokeswoman, however, refused to discuss the matter.

“We are in touch with all elements of the Pakistan government all the time.  But we do not publish or discuss details of our diplomatic discussions and assignments,” said Elizabeth Carlton.

One Pakistani defense analyst was outraged by the idea.

“This is outright interference in Pakistan's affairs.  On what basis does the U.S. want direct access to the NCA?  Does the U.S. have any particular fears or apprehensions?  The U.S. laws do not allow any transfer of nuclear technology or assets to Pakistan, so why should there be any such officer in the US Embassy in Islamabad?  There would be very grave implications if such a proposal is given serious thought by our government,” said retired Lt. Gen. Talat Masood (Mariana Baabar, The News, April 14).

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.