There are circumstances for use of nuclear weapons: Musharraf

Almaty, June 04: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said today that possessing nuclear weapons implies there are circumstances under which they will be used, but said it is irresponsible for a leader to discuss such things.
Asked at a news conference to state Pakistan's nuclear policy and explain why it will not renounce first use of nuclear weapons in case of war, as India has, Musharraf said, the possession of nuclear weapons by any state obviously implies they will be used under some circumstances.

He said his country's deeper policy, however, is for de-nuclearisation of South Asia.

Never in the history of Pakistan has the nuclear arsenal ever been deployed, never have even the missiles been deployed, he said. Musharraf spoke after a 16-nation Asian summit at which he and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did not speak to each other or interact.

Pakistan will never initiate war, Musharraf said, ... But will defend its honour and dignity with full resolve.

He said, the reality of the tension between India and Pakistan is that India is continually threatening Pakistan for an attack and also refusing dialogue.

He said there are almost daily reports of India's Prime Minister and defence minister threatening to teach Pakistan a lesson or discussing strikes into Pakistani territory.
Bureau Report