Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal Friday said that the purchase of S-400 missile system by India was part of its efforts to acquire a ballistic missile defence (BMD) System through multiple sources.
In a statement, he said that the deal would further destabilize strategic stability in South Asia, besides leading to a renewed arms race.
Dr Faisal went on to say that following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both sides, Pakistan had proposed a strategic restraint regime in the region, advocating against the acquisition of BMD systems due to its destabilising effect.
The spokesperson said that Indian rejection of the proposal had forced Pakistan to develop capabilities, which could render any BMD system ineffective and unreliable.
Dr Faisal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards ensuring national defence in line with the policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic balance in the region in the future as well.
Published in Daily Times, October 20th 2018.
