WASHINGTON (TIP): The US has said that there is room for improvement in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons security apparatus but exuded confidence that Pakistani government is well aware of its responsibilities and has secured its nuke arsenal accordingly. “While there is room for improvement in the security of any country’s nuclear programmes, Pakistan has a professional and dedicated security force that fully understands the importance of nuclear security,” the state department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said. Welcoming Pakistan’s statement that it is fully committed to the objectives of disarmament and nonproliferation, Psaki said the US “is confident that the Government of Pakistan is well aware of its responsibilities and has secured its nuclear arsenal accordingly”.

The US recognises that Pakistan is fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues, and is working hard to ensure its strategic export controls are in line with international standards, she said. “Pakistan is a state party to both Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention and is a partner in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism,” Paski said. Psaki said that US was having regular discussions with the Pakistani government on a range of issues including nuclear security, counterterrorism and fostering a stable Afghanistan and would continue to work together to find ways to make the Pakistan and the region more secure, stable and prosperous.