Nuclear safety: Cooperation with India possible, says Aizaz

Pakistan’s foreign secretary says both sides can share best practices, experiences

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry on Thursday hinted at the possibility of cooperation with India in the realm of nuclear safety, security and regulatory framework at a time when relations between the two neighbours are on the edge due to the current unrest in Kashmir.

“Nuclear safety and security provide another avenue for cooperation between India and Pakistan… Both sides can agree on sharing of best practices, experience and expertise,” the foreign secretary said while speaking at a daylong international conference ‘Assessing South Asia’s Nuclear Security.’

The conference was jointly organised by Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) and Atlantic Council, an American think tank.



Pakistan and India have a working group on nuclear confidence building measures (CBMs), which focuses on cooperation in case of nuclear accidents. However, the working group has lately been dysfunctional because of suspension of bilateral dialogue.

The two countries are also part of other international conventions and instruments on nuclear safety and security. Chaudhry suggested that India and Pakistan can cooperate on nuclear safety and security within the framework of these conventions.

Speaking about other possible nuclear CBMs with India, the he pointed out that Pakistan had extensive experience on the establishment and functioning of an independent nuclear regulatory body.

He said that Islamabad was a staunch advocate of nuclear non-proliferation at the international level and believes in amicable solution of all disputes.

“Pakistan has and will always abide by its commitments to international obligations as a nuclear power,” he further said.

Regarding the country’s membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Chaudhry insisted that “Pakistan qualifies for membership of the group”.

“[Pakistan has] mobilised the [NSG] member countries for supporting the cause (Islamabad’s membership bid).”

The foreign secretary advised the international community, particularly the US, to shun discriminatory practices in the context of nuclear and defence ties as it jeopardises the stability of whole region.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2016.