We didn't build nukes to fire on Shab-e-Baraat: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD: Accusing India of destabilising Pakistan, former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has said nuclear weapons are for the defence of the country and not for "celebratory" occasion.

Musharraf, who ruled from 1999 to 2008, claimed India is carrying an aggressive attitude as a pre-planned strategy with the ultimate end game of de-nuclearising Pakistan.

"We do not want to use nuclear capability but if our existence comes under threat, who do we have these nuclear weapons for? If I say in Chaudhary Shujaat's style, do we have nukes saved to be used on Shab-e-Baraat?" he told Dunya News.

"Don't attack us, don't challenge our territorial integrity because we are not a small power, we're a major and nuclear power. Don't push us," 71-year-old Musharraf said.

"We should have self-confidence that their (Indian) dream to de-nuclearise Pakistan is not possible. We won't let their end game materialise," he added.

Pakistan, which owns about 120 nuclear warheads, has the fastest growing nuclear weapons programme in the world and by 2020 it could have enough fissile material to produce more than 200 nuclear devices, experts have said.

India has said it will not hesitate in going beyond its borders to eliminate terrorists, in an apparent warning to Pakistan.

Indian Army this week carried out a surgical strike inside Myanmar, killing scores of Naga insurgents.

Musharraf also asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to respond to threats in his capacity.