An unidentified US official interviewed by NBC television says the US is deeply involved in safeguarding Pakistan’s nuclear weapons: U.S. Helps Pakistan Safeguard Nuclear Material.

WASHINGTON: The United States has been working secretly with Pakistan to protect its nuclear weapons from falling in the hands of terrorists or rogue commanders, NBC Television reported on Friday.

According to the Network, a group of American nuclear experts called the US Liaison Committee is “spending millions to safeguard Pakistan’s more than 40 nuclear weapons.” They meet at least every two months and are helping Pakistan develop state-of-the-art security — including secret authorization codes for the arsenal.

In effect, this would mean the US has virtually taken control of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, one reason why Bush administration officials seem to be so sanguine, rather than agitated, about Pakistan’s proliferation activities exposed recently.