Biden’s statement came as a surprise: Yousuf Raza Gilani

Staff Writer

Islamabad: Former Prime Minister and PPP stalwart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said this week that US President Joe Biden’s statement on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons came as a surprise.

In a statement, he said the US Administration in the past had always expressed satisfaction over the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear assets at the highest level.

Senator Gilani further said that former Secretary of State John Kerry repeatedly expressed confidence in Pakistan’s commitment and dedication to nuclear security and appreciated the country’s efforts to improve its strategic trade controls.

Kerry had also recognised that Pakistan is fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues, he added.

“As Prime Minister, I attended the Nuclear Security Summit in Korea. President Barack Obama appreciated the commitment of Pakistan to the objectives of the Summit,” the PPP leader said.

Senator Gilani maintained that the Nuclear Threat Initiative ( NTI), which is a highly respected and credible body to monitor other countries‘ record in its recent report termed Pakistan as the most improved country for the safety and security of its Nuclear Assets.