France-India nuclear deal: Pakistan sees serious strategic implications

Abdul Basit says there should be criteria for all countries to have access to the civilian nuclear technology.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed concerns over the civilian nuclear deal between France and India, saying the move has ‘serious strategic implications’ for the region.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said there should be criteria for all countries to have access to the civilian nuclear technology.

“Creating exception for India is not only a step backwards in terms of promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation but it also has security implications for the region,” Abdul Basit told The Express Tribune here.

Pakistan believes that the selective approach of Western countries to provide civilian nuclear technology can create imbalance of power in the subcontinent.

“In view of these agreements, Indian military nuclear facilities will have more nuclear fuel and this is certainly a cause for concern to us,” cautioned an official, who is part of the country’s nuclear establishment.

Pakistan has been seeking civilian nuclear technology since long from the powerful countries, including the US.

However, its request hasn’t yet been heeded by the Western nuclear suppliers, as they question Pakistan’s track record.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th, 2010.