THE US Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm Mike Mullen, in a question-answer session, has claimed before Congress that Pakistan is adding to its nuclear arsenal. He refrained from giving any details, but answered a firm "yes" when asked whether Pakistan was really doing so. What is more, a leading US Daily is of the view that Pakistan could divert the proposed military aid, meant for counter-terrorism, to building nuclear infrastructure. This will be considered another attempt at putting curbs on Pakistan's legitimate pursuit of nuclear power. Last week, unnecessary apprehensions were expressed about Pakistan's capacity to safeguard its nuclear weapons. It was being contended that the militants could take control of the warheads. Now an equally irrational noise is being created about Pakistan's processing activities. For one thing, Pakistan needs to have the capacity to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. For another, it has already explained its nuclear doctrine that requires the possession of a minimum deterrent to maintain the balance of power in South Asia. The country has no ambitions to enter into an arms race with anyone. There is a greater need on part of the US media and Administration to pay attention to Israeli arsenal, which poses a threat to the security of the Middle East. It is ironic that while the US is helping India and had entered into an agreement with it for exchange of nuclear technology, besides allowing it to procure nuclear material from abroad, it is unfairly putting pressure on Pakistan. One would have wished that the US, which calls Pakistan a frontline state in the War on Terror, would have offered a similar deal to Pakistan. But it turned a deaf ear to such demands from the Pakistani side. Pressure building tactics would create more trust deficit between the two, while just the opposite is the need of the hour.