"Those individuals who had indulged in proliferation for personal gains had been taken to task and no effort is being spared to uproot the network," the statement quoted Musharraf as telling scientists and officials at Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) near Islamabad.

Musharraf told the scientists that his decision to order investigations into proliferation allegations against senior Pakistani scientists was "always guided by supreme national interest."

Pakistan investigated several of its nuclear scientists and officials in November last year in a probe into proliferation accusations that is still ongoing.

Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb, publicly confessed in February to selling nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

Musharraf pardoned Khan, who is revered as a national hero, but refused to allow an international inquiry into the scandal.

"Pakistan's strategic assets are under strict custodial controls and we have a robust Command and Control system," Musharraf said.

Musharraf reiterated Pakistan's resolve to "further strengthen" its nuclear needs, saying Pakistan had developed its nuclear capabilities "solely for the purpose of deterrence."

"Pakistan's nuclear programme is non-negotiable. It was there to stay."

Musharraf commended the efforts of officials at KRL, Pakistan's key enrichment facility, saying: "Pakistan owed a debt of gratitude to their national heroes for strengthening national security and making the country's defence impregnable."

WAR.WIRE