Nuclear programme central to Pakistan`s defence: Army chief

Islamabad: Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif on Friday said Pakistan`s nuclear programme is central to the country`s defence.

Sharif, who took over late last year, visited the Strategic Plans Division where he was given a detailed briefing by its chief, Lt Gen (retired) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, on the strategic programme. He said Pakistan`s nuclear programme occupies a central place for the defence of the country, a military statement said. "He expressed his satisfaction over the robust nuclear command and control structure and all the security controls related to strategic assets of the country," it added.