A concerned upper house of parliament asked the federal government what steps had been taken to safeguard the civilian population in view of reports of Pakistan moving nuclear bombs to airbases to arm F1 6 fighter bombers.
The issue was raised during zero hour by agitated members who quoted press reports to say U.S spy satellites had reported heavy movement from the Pakistan nuclear facility at Kahuta to airbases in different parts of the country.
NKP Salve, deputy leader of the opposition Congress I wanted to know about the defence preparedness to deal with this nuclear threat. However he agreed that it would not be in public interest for the government to divulge the responses mapped out to deal with this eventuality, but said the government should at least clarify its steps to safeguard civilians.
Meanwhile the external affairs ministry declined to comment on the London based newspaper report.
We have taken due note of the report,” a ministry spokesman said.
The Sunday Times report also claimed that the spy satellites had filmed what were believed to be special racks designed to carry nuclear bombs being fitted to F 1 6 fighter aircraft.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 8, 1990
