Rawalpindi, Dec 15: The first meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) has warned that Pakistan would defend its strategic interests and assets against any ‘misadventure’.

The meeting also took exception to the ‘propaganda’ being spread by international media against the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear assets and said the security of all such assets had been ensured through a foolproof system.

Sources said that a sustained and well-planned campaign of international think-tanks and media has been pressuring Pakistan to ensure the security of its nuclear assets.

"The campaign has persisted despite the government’s overt and covert assurances that its weapons are safe and beyond the reach of terrorists and extremists, " they said.

An ordinance was promulgated on Thursday to streamline the command and control system for nuclear assets.

The new law makes President Pervez Musharraf the head of the NCA, which is responsible for all aspects of strategic organisations and weapons.

Sources said that the NCA met a day after the ordinance’s promulgation to spell out its features.

Chairing the NCA meeting here, Musharraf said Pakistan was capable of defending its interests and cautioned those contemplating ‘misadventures’.

He said the country’s nuclear assets are in safe hands, adding that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and knows how to safeguard its nuclear assets, the Online reported. (ANI)