‘Pak responsible Nuclear-state, qualifies for NSG’

Describing Pakistan as a “responsible” nuclear state, foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has said the country’s nuclear assets are “safe” and it qualifies for NSG membership.

Addressing a conference on “Assessing South Asia’s Nuclear Security” organised by Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) here, Mr Chaudhry said, people of Pakistan are the owners of Pakistan’s nuclear programme which is meant only for its defence as a sovereign nation.

“Pakistan has always voiced its desire for strategic stability and urges all regional partners to utilise resources for economic development instead of furthering nuclearisation in the region that in turn usher insecurity in the region,” he said.

Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and its nuclear assets are safe and regularised by an autonomous body which is Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying. He said Pakistan qualifies for the membership for Nuclear Suppliers Group and has mobilised the member countries for supporting the cause.

The foreign secretary hoped that political and commercial motives will not hinder Pakistan’s membership for the NSG.

Mr Chaudhry said Pakistan has urged the international community to shun discriminatory practices.