Pakistani President Shifts Nuclear Control to Prime Minister

[pkd]

Pakistani President Shifts Nuclear Control to Prime Minister

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar announced late Friday that the National Command Authority, which is responsible for nuclear weapons, is now under the authority of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has transferred control of the country's nuclear arsenal to his prime minister.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar announced late Friday that the National Command Authority, which is responsible for nuclear weapons, is now under the authority of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Babar called the move "a giant leap forward to empower the elected parliament and prime minister."

Mr. Zardari has seen low approval ratings as Pakistan battles with Taliban violence and a struggling economy.

Analysts say he is trying to protect his political future by shifting more power to parliament.

The decision comes as an amnesty protecting the president and about 8,000 other Pakistanis from corruption charges expired Saturday.

Mr. Zardari cannot be prosecuted because of presidential immunity, but the country could fall into political chaos if corruption charges were reinstated against those close to the president.

Legal experts say opponents could use the amnesty to lawfully challenge Mr. Zardari's eligibility for office.

Former President Pervez Musharraf introduced the amnesty in 2007 under a plan to share power with Mr. Zardari's wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was later assassinated.

Mr. Zardari spent years in jail for corruption charges and bears the nickname "Mr. Ten Percent" due to his reputation for taking kickbacks after awarding government contracts.

[Syed TALHA SHAH]

finally smethng z better than nthng

[Asim Aquil]

Hes thinking he'll shed some powers to satisfy the people for the time being. Like Pakistan is really going to nuclear war any time soon.

---------- Post added at 11:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------

And like if Pakistan were Zardari would really hang around?

[FreekiN]

The BBC title of the report scared the living **** out of me.

"Zardari hands over Nuclear powers"

I thought Zardari was stupid enough to give our nuclear assets away to the US or something, which is my greatest fear. Thank god that wasn't the case.

[Gazzi]

Originally Posted by FreekiN

The BBC title of the report scared the living **** out of me.

"Zardari hands over Nuclear powers"

I thought Zardari was stupid enough to give our nuclear assets away to the US or something, which is my greatest fear. Thank god that wasn't the case.

I wouldn't have put it past him.......

I would however, be very mindful of this mans loyalty.....sooner or later he will do a bunk from the country.....he knows alot of secrets of the State and he shold not be allowed to leave.

[Omar1984]

Nuclear control should be given to the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army not the President or the Prime Minister.

[dezi]

Originally Posted by Omar1984

Nuclear control should be given to the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army not the President or the Prime Minister.

Then what will be the difference between a military ruled state and a democracy?... If the military has control and the decision making lies with them... would it not be more risky?...

[dez]

Finally a good step toward strenghthning democracy..

[Goodperson]

This is a Joke I wonder when did Zacharia have the button it was always with PA.

[SandsofTime]

IMO, the NCA chairmanship should remain with the president's office. President is supposed to be supreme commander of the armed forces, and giving away nuclear control contradicts it. This is not to say I support Zardari, but I am in favor of vesting armed forces powers in Presidency. It will still be a titular position, since the PM and army chief will be the main decision makers anyways.

[Red Dwarf]

Is this a temporary shift or a permanent one ?.