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