In an unusual move, Pakistan’s Nuclear Establishment, took the extra-ordinary step of briefing foreign journalist based in Islamabad that the strategic assets were in safe hands and and it would not fall into the hands of extremists because of the stringent control and command structures.
The move was unusual because of the fact that the two Indian Journalists based in Pakistan, who are barred from being invited to Rawalpindi on military-related events, were invited to this briefing at the Strategic Plan Division (PD0) the Nuclear Establishment’s inner sanctum at the Chakala Military base.
The command and control structures were explained through a power point presentation by Lt. General (retd) Khalid Kidwai, SPD’s Director General. The structure is arranged in three-tiers, which are (I) National Command Authority, (ii) the SPD and (iii) multilayer security surrounding the nuclear facilities. After explaining the technicalities of the structure, the operation of two-man rule, codes and permissive links which have all been kept in operation keeping the safety and security of the Nuclear Establishment, he took questions from the journalists.
By way of this presentation and answering questions and answers, Mr.Kidwai sought to dispel the fears that such a sensitive facility may fall in to the hands of extremist or terrorists. He stated explicitly that Pakistan has been constantly reviewing the safety and security of its nuclear arsenal , has the capability to thwart any threats whether internal or external in nature and there was no chance of your finding that the Nuclear Station is taken over one day by a long bearded man (meaning a terrorist) asthe Director-General).
The command structure was formalized in 2000 and has following inbuilt features/ The nuclear facilities are guarded by a strong force of 10000 troops. The 2000 odd scientists performing sensitive tests are monitored from cradle to grave, meaning their antecedents are checked from all angles, viz.,politics, family, finances , likes, dislikes, weakness and nothing is excluded. Even their state of mind is monitored. They are never allowed to stray in the outside world with a system of retirement and reappointment in informal position within the same framework. The SPD has its own dedicated intelligence network that provides a constant intelligence update on an hourly, 12-hourly and daily.
The objective of the whole exercise was to convince the Journalists so that they carry a positive opinion and if the reports filed by them is of any indication which were positive, the Director-general seems to have achieved his objective.
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