Nuclear safety

As a member of the exclusive club of countries that possess nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, Pakistan has all along been shouldering and delivering all the responsibilities of a nuclear power state. Addressing the two-day regional seminar in Islamabad on March 14, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz    assured the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 which seeks to ensure the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. While exercising great restraint and responsibility, Pakistan has been quite emphatically telling the world that it uses its nuclear facility only for the peaceful purpose of overcoming the electricity shortage crisis.

At the same time, Pakistan has been seeking membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as it has taken all possible measures, including obtaining internal legislation, to ensure that non-actors do not have access to its nuclear assets. The NSG membership will help Pakistan strengthen its positive role within the nuclear power possessing countries. The country is pursuing a policy of peaceful co-existence with all its neighbours and has developed nuclear devices as a minimum defence deterrent given the not so peaceful atmosphere that prevails in the region. In all fairness, Pakistan should be given the membership of NSG which will allow it to use of nuclear technology for the welfare and well-being of its people.

Muhammad Zahid Rifat       

Lahore