SEOUL: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday urged the international community to give Pakistan access to nuclear technology for peaceful uses on a non-discriminatory basis.
Speaking at the dinner on the first day of the two-day second Seoul Security Summit here, the prime minister said that nuclear technology was required to meet Pakistan’s growing energy needs.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan had taken effective measures at national level which were the most important part of its efforts to enhance nuclear security.
Referring to the importance of the second Nuclear Security Summit being held in Seoul, the prime minister said, “As we meet here, we break new ground on the evolving global nuclear security architecture, the role of the IAEA, and protection of nuclear materials and radioactive sources.”
“Our concerns on these vital issues put a roadmap in our hands for concerted national actions and international coordination to enhance nuclear security,” he added.
The Prime Minister said last year the IAEA Board of Governors unanimously approved the safeguards agreements of the two civil nuclear power plants of Pakistan that showed that the international community’s continued confidence in the safety and security standards maintained by the country.
Gilani said in South Asia, Pakistan was pursuing strategic restraint and confidence building through dialogue and this process should guarantee security and stability in the region.
He said Pakistan had been active in international diplomacy to promote nuclear security.
“We have supported the work of the global initiative to combat nuclear terrorism and our reports to the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee have shared details of the measures we have taken to secure sensitive materials and technologies,” he said.
The PM said Pakistan had also developed a strong nuclear emergency response mechanism, nuclear and radiological emergency coordination centres work closely with the first responders.
He said, “We have been implementing Nuclear Security Action Plan in cooperation with the IAEA and the plan reinforces physical protection of nuclear medical centres and civilian nuclear plants.”
After the Fukushima accident, Pakistan carried out comprehensive stress tests of the nuclear power plants and refined and improve the safety parameters, he added.
PM Gilani said Pakistan had been deploying Special Nuclear Material (SNM) portals at key entry and exit points to detect, deter and prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.
Gilani said the democratic government of Pakistan was fully committed to nuclear security.
“We have focused especially on capacity building and interaction with the international community,” he added.
The Prime Minister said since the Washington Summit, swift movement had been seen in the field of nuclear security.
He said: “Together, we have taken steps to create a secure world that will not live under the fear of nuclear terrorist attacks. We firmly believe that nuclear material must never fall into the hands of terrorists.”
The Prime Minister said the world leaders had invested political capital to create greater awareness about nuclear security and instil an sense of urgency in their efforts.
Referring to the first Nuclear Security Summit, the Prime Minister said three years ago in Prague, President Barack Obama took the historic initiative to convene a Nuclear Security Summit to set the common objectives for nuclear security and the Washington Summit was a great success in this regard.
Appreciating the efforts of South Korea for hosting second Nuclear Security Summit, Prime Minister Gilani said, “At this time, the Republic of Korea, a country with which Pakistan has deep, friendly ties, is carrying the torch.”
