India building nuclear submarines: Pakistan official

Islamabad: India was developing nuclear submarines and was building up its nuclear stockpiles by the day, a top Pakistani official claimed on Tuesday.

"India is developing atomic submarines and also resorting to unprovoked firing on the line of control and the working boundary. In these circumstances, Pakistan has no option but to keep itself ready for defense," Additional Secretary (UN and Economic Cooperation) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tasnim Aslam said at a seminar here.

"In these circumstances Pakistan has no option but to keep itself ready for defense."

She claimed Pakistan was maintaining minimum deterrence, but was willing to work for regional peace and stability.

"We are prepared to hold negotiations with India for resolution of outstanding disputes," she said, also accusing India of “unprovoked firing” on the Line of Control and simultaneously making “irresponsible” statements.

She claimed that India being granted a place in the Nuclear Suppliers Group would disturb regional stability.

She claimed Pakistan had proof to India’s involvement in supporting militancy in the country.

"India has accused Pakistan of supporting non-state elements for terrorism but the Indian state has been involved in terrorist activities," she said.

Aslam said Pakistan's participation in the Heart of Asia Conference showed its seriousness towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.

"Our decision to attend the conference also foiled the Indian attempt to hijack the Heart of Asia process," she claimed. — PTI