Pakistan

Pakistan seeks NSG membership to curb nuclear proliferation

Pakistan ambassador in Vienna submits a formal application to chairman Nuclear Suppliers Group

Kamran Yousuf May 20, 2016

Pakistan ambassador in Vienna submits a formal application to chairman Nuclear Suppliers Group. PHOTO: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has applied for membership of a nuclear suppliers group, saying its inclusion would help reduce the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the foreign ministry said on Friday.

A formal application seeking membership of the 48-nation group was submitted by Pakistan ambassador in Vienna on Wednesday, according to a statement.

In his letter addressing the NSG chairman, the envoy said seeking participation in the export control regime reflected Pakistan's support for efforts to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

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“Pakistan has the expertise, manpower, infrastructure, as well as the ability to supply NSG controlled items, goods and services for a full range of nuclear applications for peaceful uses,” the envoy said.

“Pakistan attached high priority to nuclear safety and security. It has taken legal, regulatory and administrative measures to bring nuclear safety and security at par with international standards,” it added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry told US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control Rose Gottemoeller Pakistan had the “credentials” to join the club of nuclear trading nations.

Pakistan’s export control regime was underpinned by strong legislation, regulatory and enforcement mechanisms, the statement added.

Pakistan also informed the International Atomic Energy Agency of its adherence to the objectives of NSG and, the decision to act in accordance with NSG guidelines.

These relate with the transfer of nuclear material, equipment and related technology, including related dual-use equipment, materials, software and related technology.

Obama urges Pakistan, India to scale down nuclear threat

Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan had stressed the need for NSG to adopt a non-discriminatory approach for the countries that have never been party to nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The NSG is dedicated to curbing nuclear arms proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that could foster nuclear weapons development.

Created in response to India’s testing its first nuclear weapon in 1974, it is expected to hold its next meeting in June.

COMMENTS (17)

Stayameva Jayate | 7 years ago | Reply @Hasnain: - The fact that there are plenty of people at high positions in Pakistan who think exactly think like you, is the most powerful argument that disqualifies Pakistan for NSG Membership.

Nitin | 7 years ago | Reply @Saad: Yes, NSG was created in response of India's nuclear test in 1975,The reason,India was the only country from third world who was able to do nuclear test just in 30 years of its independence. So it is but obvious that the western world would not like a challenge from a country which was their former colony. But now the paradigm has been changed, India has achieve its status by its continued effort and technology.

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Saad | 7 years ago | Reply To all my Indian friends commenting here. Do you remember why NSG was created in first place? A state which was involved in proliferation and breach of peaceful uses agreement and diverted material to do testing in 1974 was the raison d'etre of the NSG. State-level and state sanctioned violation is a more serious type than the act of individuals belonging to different countries (which in this case were from over thirty countries)

sharat | 7 years ago | Reply Did AQ Khan sign the application.?

harkol | 7 years ago | Reply In other news: A thief on Bangalore asked the govt. To be included in police so incidents of theft can be reduced...

Truth | 7 years ago | Reply After eating 100 mices.. Cat went to hajj ;)

Proud Bharatiya Muslim Toronto | 7 years ago | Reply The only reason Pakistan applied is because of China's push as they just want to use Pakistan in rejecting India's application to make them show as a neutral player. Pakistan knows they are the top proliferators and have no standing in world so at least they want to become the crutch for China. But Pakistan and China know very well that India has the capability to pull a well thought over strategy to counter these cheap tricks. Time will prove this.

F35 | 7 years ago | Reply "Pakistan seeks NSG membership to curb nuclear proliferation" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ So if membership is denied there will be proliferation....

ajeet | 7 years ago | Reply @Hasnain: Borat has his in everything in Pakistan, including cricket training and you call Pakistan democracy?

Zahid | 7 years ago | Reply Excellent move by Pakistan, we will be a part of NSG soon

Muhammad Qayyum | 7 years ago | Reply Smell bad here? Guess what too many indians commenting.

KANISHKA | 7 years ago | Reply Once you were a part of "Khan Nuclear Supply Group" with countries like Iran, Libya, North Korea and KSA, you cannot have a dual membership. Hasnain, Do you think Pakistan has real Democracy? Who has the key to the power? Which Sharif is the real Numro-Uno in Pakistan? One in uniform or without uniform?

Sandip | 7 years ago | Reply @Hasnain: You just made your point beautifully. How can a nation where the total control of nuclear activity rests with an unelected and unanswerable gang of proliferators ever be allowed to become part of the NSG. If nuclear rogues qualify for NSG, then Pakistan's case is quite strong along with that of North Korea. Right now Pakistan can create a NPG - the Nuclear Proliferators Group along with it's latest patron - China.

Hasnain | 7 years ago | Reply Good move by Pakistan. Hope membership is accepted. Pankaj do you know Europe has access to the entire US nuclear arsenal? I think every country with an established system of democracy has a right to build nuclear weapons. US or any other country should not become the police of the world.

truthbetold | 7 years ago | Reply This is as funny as North Korea applying for NSG membership!

Mr Obvious | 7 years ago | Reply Many would argue that India doesn't qualify -- but at least they don't have a record of selling nuke technology which is directly associated with much of today's International turmoil. To be blunt --- there isn't much difference between Pakistan and N Korea when it comes to qualifying for NSG membership.

Pankaj | 7 years ago | Reply is this a joke? Pakistan is the known proliferator of nuclear technology. Iran, Libya and North Korea area all case in points. If anything Pakistan needs to be de-neuclearized.

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