No need for nuclear deterrent once Kashmir issue is resolved: Pakistan PM Imran Khan

The assertion from Pakistan's premier came during an interview to HBO with journalist Jonathan Swan, Dawn reported.

"The moment there is a settlement on Kashmir, the two neighbours would live as civilised people. We will not need to have nuclear deterrents," Mr Khan said.

However, the Pakistan Prime Minister rejected an intelligence report that his country has the fastest-growing nuclear arsenal anywhere in the world.

"I don't know where they've come up with this. Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is simply a deterrent, to protect ourselves," he said.

"As far as I know, it's not an offensive thing. Any country which has a neighbour seven times its size would be worried."

When the journalist asked why Pakistan does not raise its voice over the atrocities meted to Uighur Muslims, Mr Khan said all issues were discussed with China "behind closed doors".

"China has been one of the greatest friends to us in our most difficult times. When we were really struggling, China came to our rescue. We respect the way they are and whatever issues we have, we speak behind closed doors," Mr Khan said.

The hostility between India and Pakistan has eased in recent months against the backdrop of back channels talks between the two neighbours. In a much recent development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited political parties of Jammu and Kashmir for talks in New Delhi, the first time since the abrogation of Article 370.