Washington: Concerned over security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, a top Democratic law maker has raised serious questions about Islamabad being in possession of such warheads especially in the context of a "dramatic" rise of Islamic fundamentalism in that country.

"Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons. It has an unstable government and a dramatic rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Many people have called it ground zero as far as terror is concerned" Democratic Senator Diane Feinstein said at a Senate Sub Committee hearing on Energy.

"If you ask some of us what is the most threatening nuclear situation, we would have to say it's Pakistan in terms of those nuclear facilities. The question I have is what steps can we take to confront this challenge to see that the weapons remain secure and to actually improve the situation in terms of stability of government and therefore, stability of the nuclear weapons programme," Senator Feinstein asked a senior administration official.

William Tobey, the Deputy Administrator in the Office of Defence Nuclear Non-Proliferation of the National Nuclear Security Administration, in his reply said, "We have extended an invitation to Pakistan to join the global initiative to combat nuclear terrorism, which they have done. They have participated in an exercise in China. That initiative is aimed at drawing together nations to share best practices, essentially throughout the possible prevention and response cycle."

"We are hopeful that Pakistan will avail itself of this opportunity to ensure that they have the best practices possible. I regard their military as most professional and committed to nuclear security," Tobey added.

Source : PTI