Pakistan, India agree to extend pact on N-accidents

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India have agreed to extend their bilateral agreement on reducing the risk from accidents relating to nuclear weapons for five years (2017-2022), according to a Foreign Office statement on Tuesday.

It may be mentioned that the agreement came into force in 2007.

It was subsequently extended for five years in 2012. The agreement is part of nuclear confidence building measures (CBMs) agreed between Pakistan and India.

It is aimed at promoting an environment of peace and security between the two countries.

It is premised on the recognition that the nuclear dimension of the security environment of the two countries adds to their responsibility for avoidance of conflict.

It provides for immediate exchange of information between the two countries in the event of any accident relating to nuclear weapons, under their respective jurisdiction and control, which could create the risk of radioactive fallout, with adverse consequences for both sides or create the risk of a nuclear war.

Pakistan believed in the need for both sides to stay engaged for strategic stability in South Asia, the statement said.