Pakistan hints at possible nuclear war in South Asia

(File Photo)

Islamabad: Hours before US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to take "decisive action" against terror groups, the country's security head Nasser Khan Janjua possibility of a nuclear war cannot be ruled out in South Asia.

"The stability of the South Asian region hangs in a delicate balance, and the possibility of nuclear war cannot be ruled out," said Janjua, the National Security Advisor Lt Gen (retd.) of Pakistan while addressing a seminar organised by the Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), a think tank recently established by Lt Gen (retd) Zaheerul Islam, the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) former chief, reported the Express Tribune.

“India is being given priority over Pakistan in Afghanistan, something that will shape the political and strategic dynamics of the war-torn country,” he.

He further accused the US of conspiring against the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with India. 

"The US has given India role in Afghanistan's political process, giving New Delhi priority over Islamabad, and has opposed the CPEC."

Janjua further claimed that India has been stockpiling a range of dangerous weapons.

Announcing its first public policy on Monday, the Trump administration asked Pakistan to assure that its nuclear arsenal is completely safe. 

"The United States will also encourage Pakistan to continue demonstrating that it is a responsible steward of its nuclear assets,” reads the policy released by the White House. "The prospect for an Indo-Pakistani military conflict that could lead to a nuclear exchange remains a key concern requiring consistent diplomatic attention."