World

Nawaz pushes Obama on NSG membership for Pakistan

The Prime Minister tells Obama that India should not become a permanent member of UNSG

Abdul Manan/abdul Manan February 12, 2015

According to the PM House, the two leaders spoke for almost half an hour via telephone.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif once again took up Pakistan’s case for membership to the Nuclear Supplier Group with the US after President Barack Obama called the Pakistani premier late on Thursday.

According to the PM House, the two leaders spoke for almost half an hour via telephone.

President Obama updated Nawaz about his recent visit to India, while Nawaz briefed the latter about Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

While appreciating Pakistan’s growing cordial relations with Afghanistan, the US president also lauded Pakistan’s effort to counter terrorism and successfully launching a military operation in North Waziristan.

Opposing the idea of India getting a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Nawaz argued that India should not add to the P-5 since it has been violating UN resolutions on Kashmir.

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of #Pakistan to discuss bilateral and regional issues
— Obama NSC- Archived (@NSC44) February 12, 2015

They agreed to continue to strengthen US-#Pakistan relations & advance shared interest of stable, secure, prosperous Pakistan & region
— Obama NSC- Archived (@NSC44) February 12, 2015

POTUS welcomed the improved relations between #Afghanistan and #Pakistan, and noted appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism
— Obama NSC- Archived (@NSC44) February 12, 2015

POTUS & PM Sharif expressed the intent to meet at a mutually convenient time #Pakistan
— Obama NSC- Archived (@NSC44) February 12, 2015

COMMENTS (51)

observer | 9 years ago | Reply Sure, every pariah failed country that steals nuke technology from western countries (Khan-Urenco), proliferates to Iran, Libya, North Korea and Saudi Arabia should be part of the NSG. Why not?

Dipak | 9 years ago | Reply Dipak@Aschraful Makhlooq: Because you guys are irresponsible people. AQ Khan who stole the nuclear technology was also selling the same to Iran, Lybia and South Korea. Musharaf protected the thieves. Read HISTORY. Nobody trusts Pakistan.

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Aschraful Makhlooq | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan is responsible nuclear country and the first nuclear muslim country in the muslim world and does have equal right to join Nuclear Supplier Group like India.Why India is feeling pain on it and what's wrong with India and why India tries to create hindrances before Pakistan whereas India itself violating the basic human rights in disputed Kashmir on gunpoint and the international community is seeing all this as nothing is happening????

Rida Ali | 9 years ago | Reply @Sun Tzu: he just said it in favor of Kashmir more precisely Pakistan's Kashmir.

In the name of love (what more) | 9 years ago | Reply India can't get UNSC membership. All permanent members of the current council will have to support India's entry, and with China being in there, that is simply not possible. Every country that aspires a permanent seat in UNSC, especially japan, Brazil, South Korea, has some one or the other to block its entry. What is likely is that a new parallel body, who's powers would be akin to the powers on the permanent seat , with extended time of membership, could be formed, of which India could play an important part. With India very likely to get entry into the elite NSG, Pakistan can forget getting into NSG unless entry rules are changed, coz India will always veto it.

KalEl | 9 years ago | Reply For everyone jumping their guns on how Modi immediately called up after Obama calls, need to know that it happened due to your ambassador Abdul Basit requesting and meeting the foreign secretary and expressed Pakistan's desire to start the talks with all India's concerns being addressed. Its all in the national newspapers. So much for the anxiety from India over a phone call. Please Pakistan: Get real.... Do you really think Modi flinched even a little bit about a call? But I guess that is too much to ask for in Indo Pak forums...... Peace.

Usman | 9 years ago | Reply If Pakistan is accepted into the fold of NSG, it would tantamount to formal global recognition of Pakistan as a nuclear state and endorsement of its credentials as a responsible nuclear country. Both Pakistan and NSG would benefit from the move as it would add to the strength of the NSG in furthering the objectives of nuclear non-proliferation, well controlled export of nuclear materials for promoting international nuclear trade and cooperation.

Nishat | 9 years ago | Reply Apart from many similarities or commonalities between India and Pakistan, they sail in the same nuclear boat. If India gets its membership in NSG then Pakistan should be considered. Both are Defacto and non-signatory members. It’s time to recall that NSG came in due to Indian illegal nuclear tests in 70s. How can the world can carry such a discriminatory approach with Pakistan and India at the same time. India being in NSG literally torture the very soul of Nuclear Supplier Groups.

Taseer | 9 years ago | Reply The Indian media has not done with the so called triumphs made by Obama visit to India that this phone call upturn the scenario. Obama phone call revolves around NSG and UNSC memberships. This gives an indication that US is the sole supreme entity to decide about membership. Then why we question the credibility of international peace keeping bodies if US decides according to its own interests. Interestingly, this is clear universally that Pakistan has significant importance and no one can overlook its role in regional politics. It doesn’t matter that how much US and India enjoy the cordiality of relations with each other.

Hurmuth | 9 years ago | Reply This phone call rung in Pakistan but it get alarmed the next door neighbor, India. That is why Indian PM Modi called PM Nawaz to discuss areas of mutual concern. Ironically, India doesn’t wait for a little moment after the US President call and made its response on immediate bases. It is a sign of Indian extreme unease over the phone call just after few days Obama visited to India.

Bobb Mack | 9 years ago | Reply @Neo: So how and when one expects India's dream fulfilled? Will it come unscathed or in some truncated form, with or without a veto/semi-veto button, requiring poor India to put in a further period of struggle for the dream to be fully realised. And when India does finally get the seat what is she likely to do with it other than feel good effect. As for Pakistan it will not make any difference to Kashmir issue which has essentially remained blocked even with no UN seat under India's wings. Pakistan is likely to continue, as indeed some countries would want it to, with its current assignment to counter India as and when required. Some interesting times ahead. Process of alliances and re-alliances will continue to evolve but friendships, no matter how strong, will never alter in terms of their meaning ...a mutually beneficial exercise. Unilateral dependencies will always remain fragile and break under the slightest of pressures.

Bhuvi | 9 years ago | Reply United States should offer Pakistan a civilian nuclear deal as a way to protect the relationship, relentlessly tested during the last decade, as well as to secure long-term interests with regard to containing militancy and atomic safety. By concluding a civil nuclear deal with Pakistan US government will gain greater knowledge of Pakistan's nuclear safety and security.

mohammad bilal | 9 years ago | Reply Let's just think for a moment. Why should china support pakistan for UNSC and why should she not back india. This seat is for the countries who are economically strong. Who's defence is strong....blah blah... Why should countries including RUSSIA, CHINA, USA and other permanent SC members oppose india just because pakistan is opposing it. I'm not against pakistan. But what's in your pocket. India has maintained global and friendly relations with almost all countries. What we've done??? Nothing..seriously nothing. Then why should anyone support a stranger instead of a friend. Then who should case for our protest.

Nosherwan | 9 years ago | Reply If a state like India which has been remained involved in proliferation of nuclear fuel and in response to its activities NSG was formed, can ask for membership and is enjoying a waiver then why not Pakistan can seek for the same membership. Pakistan responsible behavior in the field of nuclear non proliferation and its considerable efforts in the nuclear safety and security are the proves for making the country's position stronger enough to get into NSG.

ModiFied | 9 years ago | Reply Is there anyone in Pakistan who has read the UN resolutions on Kashmir ? Time for someone to make large size posters of UN resolutions and place at all the street corners in Pakistan. I have heard even most educated Pakistani talking of UN resolutions including their FO. For God sake learn to read and speak some truth.

Anoni | 9 years ago | Reply @Asok: By your logic you are justifying killing of innocent people. shame on you

Turkish Delight | 9 years ago | Reply Stand-up comedy at its very best.

Kepler-8B | 9 years ago | Reply Obama to Sharif. No more soup for you.

Tyggar | 9 years ago | Reply Nawaz pushes Obama on NSG membership for Pakistan Push will come to a Shove. Nawaz will "push" while Obama will "shove it up"

Bobb Mack | 9 years ago | Reply @Neo: The world will, having so far denied permanent seats to more countries, including India for decades, sooner or latter be willing to change its present stance. This is not surprising given the geopolitical changes and trade interdependence among nations. As for as India is concerned Pakistan has a clear view but that may not matte any more. On the other hand India will not necessarily benefit hugely from membership. All it could do is to block UN resolutions on Kashmir which will be no different than how the situation currently is and has been in real term. All it will have to do is to promote further the non-applicability of plebiscite at this stage. The UN resolutions are in any case are of the non-binding category and subject to no legal terms in a strict sense. There is no doubt that India winning UN seat could put the region in further crisis and could bring about further conflicts. The only change would be that, given the American encouragement of India to counteract china in the South China Sea, China would stop extending her current unlimited support for Pakistan and instead work on a more balanced approach towards India and Pakistan. World will continue to change in interesting ways and Pakistan, being a country full of resources, need not worry. All it needs to do is to redeem its country from external slavery, eliminate violence and most of all deal with corruption. If people pay their taxes and the country's wealth is used for improving its conditions and we stop burning our own factories we will not need any aid/loans from others. Our success lies on achieving self reliance. Our support for Kashmir must continue unless they no longer want our involvement.

Masror Alam | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan qualifies for the NSG membership. This nuclear suppliers group was created in response to Indian illicit nuclear test of 1974, if India gets waiver then why not Pakistan. Pakistan has an excellent track record of nuclear safety and security, US and other global powers must help Pakistan in getting NSG membership .

numbersnumbers | 9 years ago | Reply @Zar: You somehow neglected to make your case just WHY Pakistan would ever deserve a permanent seat on the UNSCR!!! Please humor us with your reasoning!

Asok | 9 years ago | Reply @Syed A. Mateen Are the current permanent members, China, US, and Russia, not killing anybody?

observer | 9 years ago | Reply @Syed A. Mateen: "There is no point for India to get a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while Indian Army is killing innocent Kashmiris in occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the last 67 years and does not allow Kashmiris of J&K to have referrendum whether Kashmiris would like to live in a seperate state." Let's just use your own logic and words and see how you feel about the following: There is no point for China to get a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while Chinese Army is killing innocent Uighur Muslims and Tibetans in occupied East Turkinstan/Xinjiang and Tibet for the last 67 years and does not allow the Uighurs and Tibetans to have referrendums whether Uighur Muslims and Tibetans would like to live in a seperate state

kapil | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan should focus on the growth of Pakistan. I think entire focus of pakistani leaders is towards India. It is high example of immaturity of Pakistani leaders. Rather opposing for India's membership, they should have made the efforts to get Pakistan as member. If he would have made sincere efforts to convince all top 5 leaders for membership, i am sure it would have automatically created challenges for India.

Fawad | 9 years ago | Reply As all weather friend China already supporting India, Mr Nawaz wanted to ley China know his opinion, by telling the story to media, instead of directly telling. with China support little Pakistan can do.

harkol | 9 years ago | Reply Syed A. Mateen: Since when did UN Security council seat given to saints? China brutally & ruthlessly eliminated folks opposed to Tibet occupation. Russian human right records are just as worse. And should we talk about the saintly deeds of USA? The UN Security council seat are obtained by nations which have the economic, military & political heft. Not on the basis of their adherence to some great moral values. UNSC is a force of stability - not of moral enforcement. Because there is no true morality in human existence, which destroys the world of other weaker species and human kind.

Gp65 | 9 years ago | Reply @Zar: You are aware that both China and Russia have recently given statements supporting permanent seat for India in UN security council? Your whole reliance on OIC and Ummah is completely misplaced. OIC has not even backed you in UN on Kashmir issue. Where is the question of backing you for a permanent seat? You say US shold back Pakistan instead of India without explaining why they shold do that and what would they gain out of it. Even China supports India not Pakkstan for a permanent seat in UN security council.

Alfa Romeo | 9 years ago | Reply As long as Pakistan lives off aid either from US or Saudi, I really doubt if US or China will really bother about what Pakistan says. What matters is what US/China/Russia say to Pakistan! The world view its Pakistan is a banana republic run partly by America/Saudi, Army, political parties & militants in pattern of musical chairs. Who cares!

Np | 9 years ago | Reply @Jibran: Did you forget to mention double games of Musharraf?

Khalil Sharif | 9 years ago | Reply Obama suddenly remembered to update Pakistan on his India visit two and a half weeks later, he did not waste a minute and immediately placed a call into NS.

Khalil Sharif | 9 years ago | Reply NS warned POTUS that UNSC seat to India will not be tolerated at any cost and Obama shook in his boots; NS could see through the mouth piece of Chinese made phone, the pearls of sweat flowing on Obama's face.......and rest is all history!

Zar | 9 years ago | Reply USA should promote Pakistan seat in UNSC seat NOT India. USA also need to extend same excess to Pakistan for NSG membership. We suggest government must move immediately to contact OIC (what ever it's worth ) n ask them to back Pakistan including China (all weather friend) n Russia. Matter of Kashmir is one of the issue, India was n is has many other serious matters to resolve. Plus it's not advisable to put all eggs in one basket (China) we need to develop good relation with Russia, Iran, Turkey above all activation of RCD defense agreement with Iran n Turkey. These are only suggestions hope some one in planning n FO will read this and think.

emad puktoun | 9 years ago | Reply What was NS heart rate?

A.Waleed | 9 years ago | Reply PM is working good, Allah Bless Pakistan.

Yousuf | 9 years ago | Reply This is so funny. Nawaz 'pushes' Obama. Nawaz can't even push Qaim Ali Shah or Ishaq Dar ...

Wizarat | 9 years ago | Reply I love the headline Is that the writers wish or ?

Rao | 9 years ago | Reply Mr. N.Sharif has a point here. Pakistan is the 5th largest democracy in the world and only country that can Halt uncontrolled hubris of India dead on its track. Bit the world community may have different ideas. So let us see and wait what will happen.

Gp65 | 9 years ago | Reply @Ahmad Azhar: @Blithe: Your foreign office is once again misleading you. Here is the official readout from whitehouse. There is no reference to India's (in) eligibility for UN security council, no reference o Kashmir and no reference to NSG membership for Pakistan. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/02/12/readout-president-s-call-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-pakistan

Iqbal | 9 years ago | Reply Whether President Obama will listen to him is a different matter.

Dipak | 9 years ago | Reply Dipak@Ahmad Azhar: That stance does not work for a country which refused the plebiscite ordered by UN Security Council in the first place. READ HISTORY. Besides does anyone in the world cares for Pakistan's opinion?

Sun Tzu | 9 years ago | Reply Is he the PM of Pakistan or India? Seems to be too busy with India-issues!

Fawad | 9 years ago | Reply complaining headmaster, that India is getting too much from you, give me some also. WH doesn't mention the details as Sharif's office is trying to score brownie points by bragging it. Outcome is important, Pakistan can try hard to copy, but India has reached certain stage where it can demand and world will listen. Pakistan has to wait for those days.

ajeet | 9 years ago | Reply Stop behaving like a school kid.

woody | 9 years ago | Reply Obama wouldn't even talk to Zardari so I guess relationships are improving. However - improved relations doesn't mean the USA is going to forget that Pakistan sold nuke technology to N Korea, Iran and Libya - they also aren't going to overlook that your not sorry for your actions and hold out the perpetrator as a national hero.

Syed A. Mateen | 9 years ago | Reply There is no point for India to get a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while Indian Army is killing innocent Kashmiris in occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the last 67 years and does not allow Kashmiris of J&K to have referrendum whether Kashmiris would like to live in a seperate state.

Neo | 9 years ago | Reply Ahead of PM Modi's visit, China says will back India for UN Security Council permanent membership http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-china-says-will-back-india-for-un-security-council-permanent-membership/528151-3.html Just in case some one wants to come out from dream world.

khan | 9 years ago | Reply It will be turn opposite way as tradition in past!!

Jibran | 9 years ago | Reply Thanks to Zia ul Haq, Hamid Gul, and then the double games of Kiyani and Pasha, Pakistan is left with zero credibility and no allies in the civilized world. Way to go traitors!

Ahmad Azhar | 9 years ago | Reply good stance mr. Prime Minister. you views are supported by the whole of Pakistan

Blithe | 9 years ago | Reply Well done PM!

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