Musharraf assumes command of nukes

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has taken control of the National Command Authority which guards the country's nuclear weapons.

The authority allowing the president to assume control of the agency came through an ordinance which Musharraf sanctioned. The move comes amid growing global concerns about Pakistan's nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of Islamic radicals with rising instability in the country.

The NCA is charged with ensuring the "security and safety of nuclear establishments, nuclear materials" and safeguarding all "information and technology related to the security and safety of the strategic organization," Dawn newspaper reported.

Under the new ordinance, the president will be the chairman of the NCA, while the prime minister will be its vice-chairman, the report said.

The agency will have "complete command and control over research, development, production and use of nuclear and space technologies," and provide "for the safety and security of all personnel, facilities, information, installations or organizations."

Others who will serve in the agency will include the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, interior, and the military heads.

Pakistan, currently under emergency rule, is set to hold parliamentary elections on Jan. 8, which may see those opposed to Musharraf coming to power.