ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has said Pakistan did not intend acquiring any nuclear capability for the time being.
“Pakistan does not intend to turn its knowledge of nuclear weaponry into application. We do not intend to acquire any nuclear capability, for the time being. That is why I am concerned that we should find a solution for all times,” Butto was quoted as saying in an interview published Thursday.
She reiterated Pakistan’s proposal for a regional solution to nuclear arms control but noted that India favored a global solution since the Soviets, Americans and the Chinese were in possession of nuclear weapons. “We will never find a solution if we look for a global approach,” she observed.
Both India and Pakistan, the Pak premier felt, could make a lasting contribution for regional security by adopting a regional approach to tackle the thorny issue of preventing a nuclear arms race.
Referring to the issue of conventional arms, Bhutto said the two countries have had preliminary exchange of views.
When one country gets more weapons, the other is apprehensive and takes steps to avoid being caught off guard. It thus becomes a vicious chain, she pointed out.
A blue water navy and acquisition of nuclear submarine by India have caused apprehension not only in Pakistan but other countries also, Bhutto said.
On Afghanistan, she made it clear that Pakistan had no role in determining what sort of government there should be in Kabul. “We are concerned that we have 3.5 million Afghan refugees on our soil,” she added.
“We really feel that in the interest of peace and stability, the Soviet Union must persuade Dr. Najibullah to step down. We cannot accept anybody who is not acceptable to the people of Afghanistan,” Bhutto contended.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 5, 1990
