The Spokesman recalled that the MOU signed at Lahore in February 1999 obliged the two countries to provide advance notification to each other in the event of a planned test.
The Spokesman pointed out that India was continuously engaged in massive acquisition of weaponry from all sources in addition to its large indigenous production. The Indian armament acquisitions are aggravating the conventional imbalance which already exists between the two countries. This is a matter of serious concern to us. The development of Agni-II adds to our concerns and threat to our security.
The Spokesman recalled that at the Foreign Secretary level talks in Islamabad in October last year, Pakistan had proposed to India that the two countries should agree to a Strategic Restraint Regime. The proposal which has been subsequently reiterated and is aimed at promoting nuclear and conventional stabilization and strengthening of peace and security in South Asia, has not evoked a positive response from New Delhi.
In response to a question, the Spokesman stated that Pakistan is
obliged to maintain a deterrence in the interest of its security and peace
and stability of the region. Our indigenous missile programme is part of
this deterrence.
Islamabad,
11 April 1999.