Our government acted in accordance with law and humanitarian norms. During the Indian plane's stay in Pakistan the safety of the passengers and crew was our primary concern. The Indian External Affairs Minister expressed gratitude for our cooperation. But then the Indian government decided to build up artificial tension, illustrating once again its animus and hostility to Pakistan. That has served to make evident the rationale of Paksitan's nuclear programme.
Nuclear deterrence is indispensable for the defence and security of our country.
General Pervez Musharraf's government is determined to maintain a robust and credibile deterrent capability. My primary purpose in speaking on CTBT is solely to promote a more objective evaluation of how signing or not signing the treaty may impinge on Pakistan's interests. To that end, it is necessary to understand what this treaty is - and what it is not. I shall therefore recapitulate its important provisions and offer an analysis of their implications. In the end I shall deal with the doubts and misapprehensions that have been expressed by commentators and columnists.