ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s case of Nuclear Supplier Group’s membership isstronger than India.
Pakistan can consider accepting additional non-proliferation obligations,which are demanded by Western countries, only if there is an appropriatequid pro quo, said former senior diplomat Zamir Akram.
Mr Akram, who has served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations inGeneva and Conference on Disarmament, was speaking at a conference on‘Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology — Pakistan’s Achievements’, which hadbeen organised by the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI), DAWN News hasreported.
Talking about the discriminatory attitude of the West towards Pakistan ongiving it access to civil nuclear cooperation, he said that while India hasbeen enjoying exceptionalism in the shape of Nuclear Supplier Group’swaiver, Pakistan’s quest for the membership of the elite nuclear club isopposed.
“We continue to be asked to demonstrate that we are a responsible andreliable nuclear state,” he said, noting that Pakistan’s case is as strongas that of India and in some cases has even done more than it [India] forgetting the membership.
Strategic Vision Institute holds conference on ‘Peaceful uses of nucleartechnology — Pakistan’s achievements’
Pakistan in this regard is asked to sign Additional Protocol (AP) to theSafeguards Agreement with IAEA, separate civilian and military nuclearfacilities, provide list of nuclear installations, and sign theComprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Mr Akram said that Pakistan can consider extending these assurances ifthere is a quid pro quo — an NSG waiver for civil nuclear cooperationsimilar to the one given to India and commitment to admit Pakistan in thenuclear trade cartel if Delhi is given an entry.
He, however, said that despite West’s demands the quid pro quo is not onthe table and even if Pakistan extends those assurances the same would notbe reciprocated.
“We need not compromise on our nuclear programme, whether it is civilian ormilitary, in order to get a certificate that we are a responsible nuclearstate,” he maintained.