ISLAMABAD – Experts have described the election of Pakistan as member ofInternational Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governor for another twoyears as recognition of its important role in the nuclear field.
Talking to BBC, Dr Rizwana Abbasi, who is associated with US East WestInstitute and Samson Center, said certainly it is an important progress.However, she was of the opinion that it cannot help get membership ofNuclear Suppliers Group.
She said IAEA has appreciated Pakistan’s national security culture, but thecountry will have to make strenuous diplomatic efforts to join the NuclearSuppliers Group.
Dr Rizwana Abbasi, who has also remained associated with National DefenceUniversity of Pakistan, said after becoming member of IAEA Board ofGovernors, Pakistan can better project its nuclear security efforts on theinternational level.
A senior official of a Pakistani nuclear agency told BBC on condition ofanonymity that Pakistan’s election is a clear evidence of peaceful use ofcivil nuclear technology in the country.
He said Pakistan has been working with one of the biggest IAEA programs,which is recognition of our efforts for the cause of nuclear safety.
He said our experts are playing an important role in different departmentsof IAEA.
He said Pakistan is now speedily heading towards a leadership role inmatters like security of nuclear installations.
The main role of IAEA is to promote peaceful use of nuclear technology andensure nuclear safety and security standards of nuclear institutions.