Reacting to media speculations in this regard, Kasuri said there was no truth to it as Islamabad's nuclear programme was and would always be defensive in nature.

Pakistan carried out its nuclear tests for strategic reasons only he said, adding that Islamabad's threat perceptions were not imaginary.

Pakistan wanted peace with its neighbours, and this was only possible if a minimum deterrent remained in place, he was quoted as saying by Online News.

Nuclear programme is Pak's strength: Musharraf

In France, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf also told a gathering of overseas Pakistanis that the country's nuclear and missile programme were its strength.

"Our nuclear and missile programmes are our strength. No one can even think of entering into any deal on such national honours," he was quoted as saying to gathering of overseas Pakistanis in Paris, France.

On doubts raised by world leaders over the real objectives of Pakistan's nuclear programme and its possible transfer to countries such as North Korea, he said: "I expressed my agreement with their apprehensions. Pakistan does not wish to or plan to transfer nuclear technology to anyone."

On international terrorism, he said: "I told them Pakistan is also against it and has rather been subjected to it. I explained to them that it has been Pakistan's consistent policy that it deplores terrorism in all its forms."