He also claimed that Pakistan's strategic nuclear programme was largely a response to India's efforts to develop atomic weapons.

Pakistan's "emphasis on nuclear energy for peaceful purposes...shifted towards concerns for national security when India detonated a nuclear device in 1974," he said.

"Pakistan could not afford to remain oblivious to this ominous development and grave threat to its security. Pakistan perforce had to opt for developing a matching response to the Indian nuclear threat," Gilani said.

The international community "failed to appreciate our concern for security and adopted a discriminatory posture towards Pakistan in the form of political and diplomatic pressure and Pakistan-specific economic sanctions," he added.

Despite sanctions, scientists of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) were able to achieve "nuclear parity with India," he claimed.

Referring to Pakistan's efforts to generate nuclear energy, Gilani said PAEC plans to add 8800 MW of nuclear power by 2030. The government will support PAEC's projects and efforts to build centres of excellence, he said.