Pakistan has raised the state of alert around its nuclear facilities amid concerns they could be targeted by Islamist militants.

But a senior military official said there had been no specific threat to the sites.

Retired Lieutenant General Khalid Kidwai insisted safeguards in place at the sites were foolproof.

He said there was no way the Taleban or al-Qaeda German TV Drama Draws Protests from Muslim Groups ...
Jordan Islamists face poll losses ... could take over Pakistan's estimated 50 nuclear warheads.

In a rare briefing on the issue, Lt Gen Kidwai told foreign journalists the weapons were protected by an elaborate command and control system, backed up by multiple levels of security.

No chance of collusion

He acknowledged that Islamic militants had begun to attack army personnel in recent months, and that nuclear sites may also become a target.

But he dismissed the possibility of collusion from within the system, saying all personnel dealing with sensitive material had been carefully monitored.

Pakistan's authorities have been angered by recent Western media reports speculating that the country's nuclear arsenal could fall into the hands of al-Qaeda militants.

Despite fears raised by American media and politicians, Lt Gen Kidwai said the US administration had not shown any recent concern about the safety of his country's nuclear weapons.

He added that any foreign intervention over the issue would be disastrous for the intruder.

(BBC)

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