Pakistan denies it's expanding nuclear arsenal

updated 5:10 p.m. ET May 18, 2009

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan is denying U.S. claims that it's expanding its nuclear arsenal.

At a congressional hearing last week, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff said there is evidence Pakistan is adding to its nuclear weapons systems and warheads.

A growing insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Taliban is raising fears militants might get hold of Pakistan's nuclear weapons or material.

Pakistan's information minister, however, says his country doesn't need to expand its arsenal, but will "maintain a minimum nuclear deterrence" needed for its defense and stability.

He also assured the international community his nation's arsenal is safe, saying, "No one, no matter how powerful and influential" will succeed in capturing the weapons.

Pakistan has launched an offensive to reclaim the Swat Valley from the Taliban and says the offensive has killed 1,000 militants.

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