Pakistan seeks indiscriminate Nuclear Suppliers Group membership

WASHINGTON: Pakistan has said that it has strong credentials to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other multilateral export control regimes on non-discriminatory basis. In its national statement made to the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, Pakistan said it has, over the years, streamlined and strengthened its export control regime and enhanced its engagement with multilateral export control regimes. Pakistan’s nuclear security regime is based on national legislative, regulatory and administrative framework. The elements of nuclear security in Pakistan include robust command and control system, rigorous regulatory regime, comprehensive export controls and international cooperation. Pakistan’s export control regime is at par with the standards followed by Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, and Australia Group. The national statement said Pakistan’s Energy Security Plan includes a Nuclear Power Programme 2050 to meet current energy shortfalls. Towards this end, Pakistan envisages generation of nuclear energy of 40,000 MW. To realize this plan, Pakistan seeks international civil nuclear cooperation. -