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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday submitted a formal application for membership of the Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG), a club of nuclear trading nations.
In a letter addressed to the NSG chairman, Pakistan's ambassador in Vienna, stated that the country has the expertise, manpower, infrastructure, as well as the ability to supply NSG controlled items, goods and services for a full range of nuclear applications for peaceful purposes.
"Pakistan attaches high priority to nuclear safety and security. It has taken legal, regulatory and administrative measures to bring nuclear safety and security at par with international standards," reads the letter.
Related: Pakistan tells US it holds 'credentials' to join nuclear suppliers club
Foreign office spokesman, in a statement, said that Pakistan’s NSG membership will further the club's non-proliferation objectives as the country has nuclear supply capabilities and it also adheres to NSG guidelines.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a 48-nation club dedicated to curbing nuclear arms proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that could foster nuclear weapons development.
Pakistan's application is likely to lead to a showdown in the group which has also been facing calls to induct India as a member.
Related: ‘China won’t let India gain entry into NSG’
China could also insist, as a condition of India's membership, that Pakistan also be allowed to join.
The NSG, which was created in response to India's first nuclear test in 1974, is expected to hold its next meeting in June.
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Comments (130) Closed
May 20, 2016 08:22pm
Excellent news!!! Should have been done years ago... Credit goes to PM and COAS for making the right move at the right time...
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May 20, 2016 08:23pm
Best of luck.
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May 20, 2016 08:28pm
Sensible thing would be to encourage all nuclear power countries to join NSG which is an export control regime to have checks and balances. So, it’s in the interest of all those countries with nuclear capabilities.
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May 20, 2016 08:35pm
Why it took them that long & why they have to get US permission ?
May be they are too busy in their corruption business that no body is thinking about Pakistan.
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May 20, 2016 08:36pm
Wish a day come when there are no nuclear weapons but useful utilization of nuclear energy only.
I sincerely wish that human intellect increases in correspondence with the potency of technology in hand.
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May 20, 2016 08:36pm
Very well done, technology for peace!
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May 20, 2016 08:36pm
Great news! Pakistan will soon be accepted in NSG while the rampant corruption, growing terrorism and diminishing economy will be completely ignored to pursue pipe dreams.
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May 20, 2016 08:36pm
Knee jerk reactions! Worst way to conduct diplomacy.
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May 20, 2016 08:44pm
Pakistan all the way
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May 20, 2016 08:46pm
@Aditya, what is "Worst" about applying to join NSG, or it just does not work with ambitions of the eastern neighbor.
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May 20, 2016 08:51pm
What a joke with the people of Pakistan Though i appreciate advancement of Pakistan in any positive direction. But the matter of fact is, half of the country does not have electricity for 24hrs and we say hey i can
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May 20, 2016 08:55pm
Brace yourself guys! This planet is about get a lot more exciting!
Can't wait to leave this mad mad World!
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May 20, 2016 08:55pm
Fantastic. There should be no double standards here. If India is getting waivers to join NSG then Pakistan is no exception.
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May 20, 2016 08:57pm
What a wonderful vision our leaders have set in when a good number of our popoulation is uneducated, malnourished, unemployed and easy target of jehadies. Rather to develop our institutions, resources, and industries our only focus is to subdued our neighbors. Well done Mr. PM.
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May 20, 2016 09:00pm
Great going.
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May 20, 2016 09:01pm
Wonderful news, great action by Pakistani government. Pakistan fully qualifies to join this prestigious nuclear club. Pakistan is second to none.
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May 20, 2016 09:01pm
Guys need to cool down, the veto power is not just vested with China. It will all depend what other countries want.
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May 20, 2016 09:03pm
Excellent news.
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May 20, 2016 09:04pm
At least 4 permanent security council members will oppose this let alone other members
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May 20, 2016 09:07pm
Next is membership in UNSC
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May 20, 2016 09:11pm
welldone.What India does, do it better.
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May 20, 2016 09:12pm
Does Pakistan really want to join the NSG OR is this exercise just to muddy up the waters for Indian desire to join the NSG? It could be that China is pushing Pakistan to write the letter so that China can say ... either both India and Pakistan get in or neither of them. Clever move by China.
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May 20, 2016 09:15pm
This is a perfect time for this application to be put forward for the membership of NSG.
There are countries which will go against Pakistan but we also have a friend that is
CHINA...Work for peace Pakistan you have to go forward many fold and show this world we are good people...Long live Pakistan China friendship
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May 20, 2016 09:20pm
Whole world knows that what Pakistan is capable of so regardless of being a part of this club or not no one can touch Pakistan. Pakistan and China together are super power of Asia.
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May 20, 2016 09:20pm
Pakistan has every rights
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May 20, 2016 09:21pm
great move. With power shortfall and country wide blackouts we also need access to nuclear power generation
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May 20, 2016 09:22pm
@Uzair Why only now when India seeks to get the membership! Why not earlier, so it is indeed a knee jerk reaction.
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May 20, 2016 09:24pm
India concentric policy one more
Pakistan is not interested to join NSG just interested in blocking India.
cos America is supporting Indian membership in NSG.
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May 20, 2016 09:25pm
I don't see why people are so joyous at the prospect of spread of more deadly nuclear weapons?
Enough mayhem in this world already.
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May 20, 2016 09:27pm
@Aditya "Knee jerk reactions! Worst way to conduct diplomacy."
As a bigger nation India needs to play a positive role to create an atmosphere of harmony and collaboration in the region. Alas! Indians have chosen the opposite route. With the Indian policy for regional hegemony Pakistan is left with no choice but to protect its interests.
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May 20, 2016 09:28pm
China is trying hard to stop India in NSG
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May 20, 2016 09:31pm
Well done .
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May 20, 2016 09:32pm
International efforts for global disarmament won't come true if Pakistan kept out of nuclear business. Hence, Pakistan should given access to NSG membership.
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May 20, 2016 09:40pm
Pakistan has every right to do what it wants for its own good or bad. But being obsessed with India, tit for tat policy of breaking off Kashmir from India in return for Bangladesh been torn apart from West Pakistan and having no strong institutions except the army, no good education system, healthcare, and more than half of Pakistan clamoring for Sharia instead of democracy.... Pakistan is on the right path to self-destruction. Does anyone remember the fall of the Soviet Empire chasing after the Americans?
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May 20, 2016 09:40pm
AQ Khan also accompanied the ambassador while handing over the application in Vienna.
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May 20, 2016 09:40pm
way to go Pakistan, a very responsible step!
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May 20, 2016 09:41pm
Our neighbours should not see this as another conspiracy against them as it is Pakistan right to apply for any membership in the world.
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May 20, 2016 09:44pm
@RIZ Then merge Pakistan in China. As without China, Pakistan is ZERO
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May 20, 2016 09:47pm
actually this is a great opportunity and must be used to remind to the world the AQ khan scandal once again and use this to our advantage
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May 20, 2016 09:47pm
MashaAllah excellent step by PMLN!
Pakistan Zindabad!
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May 20, 2016 09:52pm
Same arguments raised by Pakistan and China against India now applies
to Pakistan as far as joining NSG.
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May 20, 2016 09:57pm
India should support this provided, Pakistan signs no first use!!
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May 20, 2016 09:58pm
easy said than done
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May 20, 2016 10:02pm
@Ahmed USA - You really do know how to use technology to your advantage - keep clicking!
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May 20, 2016 10:08pm
@Ghaznavi india is taking u where it wants u to focus on.....forget about economy and keep india focus on such things only. Smart india.
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May 20, 2016 10:08pm
India needs power (not prestige but actual electricity) and lots of it. Hence our bid for this NSG membership.
Seems like Pakistan is willing to be anyone's pawn as long as they get used against India.
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May 20, 2016 10:09pm
It's like Azar Masood applying for the post of Pope.
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May 20, 2016 10:11pm
...So that Pakistan can treble its Nukes production.
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May 20, 2016 10:12pm
A country that periodically boasts of its nuclear weapons is a Peaceful Nation?
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May 20, 2016 10:13pm
@lafanga , You are correct, gentleman.
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May 20, 2016 10:19pm
Application to NSG is good,
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May 20, 2016 10:26pm
Just an application, it has to get approved by permanent members, and likely to be "rejected".
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May 20, 2016 10:27pm
@Mubeen India has about 480 million people who live below the line of poverty, that's way more than the entire US population, nonethesless, I don't see Indians object their country joining the NSG. Recover from self-hating mentality.
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May 20, 2016 10:28pm
Not going to happen. But best of luck.
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May 20, 2016 10:32pm
We never prosecuted the proliferator in chief Mr Qadir Khan and we expect to join NSG?
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May 20, 2016 10:44pm
All those linking to corruption. Dears it would help Pakistan to develop nuclear power plants, export uranium to other countries etc. So it would help develop for ex reserves and also stop country for using already produced uranium for utilising in non miltary purposes. So be happy guys
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May 20, 2016 10:47pm
Everybody know well that there is no chance whatsoever for pakistan to be accepted in the group. Its just a ploy by china and pakistan to scuttle Indias efforts to join the group. Lets see who goes where.
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May 20, 2016 10:53pm
Good step. Will open up the can of worms for those who wanted to have smooth sailing and their way in NSG :) .
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May 20, 2016 10:54pm
@lafanga : So ultimately it is China who decides the membership admission of NSG! It is really great and as somebody told, the day is not far away when our country admitted to the prestigious security council of UN, courtesy, our all weather friend !
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May 20, 2016 11:02pm
Its membership will be surely in quid pro quo of major cuts in Pakistan nuclear assets . It could not be more overwhelming news if it comes unconditional , apparently which seems aloof , but formal application and commitmentto join shows pledge and urge to abandon nuclear proliferation in the world .
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May 20, 2016 11:03pm
@Aditya please read the article and NSG evolution, it was created after india test nuclear device in 1974, how will india face a world body that was created due to india's mischieve
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May 20, 2016 11:14pm
Yay!!! Tit for Tat. If they have it we should have it......
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May 20, 2016 11:20pm
@lafanga: I think Pakistan has all the qualities required to join this club. Pakistan is already exporting conventional weapons including heavy weaponry. Pakistan has mastered in nuclear technology and is claimed to have a good inventory of big toys including its delivery system. The other aspect of your writeup is about indian connection, yes this is a strategical move as well, a rather smart move that will keep many pondering.
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May 20, 2016 11:21pm
There's hardly any chance of getting the application accepted and pakistan becoming a member. No chance I believe.
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May 20, 2016 11:23pm
Destructive diplomacy
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May 20, 2016 11:24pm
@Aditya Would you mind explaining that why it is the worst way of diplomacy. I wish you had shared your expert opinion on how to go forward about it.
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May 20, 2016 11:29pm
The NSG club should keep the membership invitation floating at 200KM above in the space.
Any country that has the technology, can go and grab it.
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May 20, 2016 11:46pm
Good Luck China.
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May 20, 2016 11:46pm
A great move by Pakistan as there is no other way than to accept Pakistan as its member. But even without NSG membership Pakistan's peaceful and military program has progressed without any interruption. It will only ease doing business with this cartel as West (US) is slowly but surely losing grip on it because China is a big player !!
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May 20, 2016 11:48pm
Pakistan will never become a member.
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May 20, 2016 11:52pm
Zero chance of this happening.
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May 21, 2016 12:03am
Bravo... Why should India have all the fun..
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May 21, 2016 12:22am
@lafanga For the first time I give you credit to see through.
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May 21, 2016 12:42am
Entering NSG means being able to trade in Nucleuar items in the Nucleuar market. Where ever Pakistan goes, india follows the leader of the region.
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May 21, 2016 12:47am
Proud of Pakistan and the prudence it shows at the right time,
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May 21, 2016 12:50am
Well done. Pakistan is a natural born member of NSG. NSG is better served with having Pakistan as a member.
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May 21, 2016 12:53am
@Ghaznavi With the Indian policy for regional hegemony Pakistan is left with no choice but to protect its interests.
I think you got it wrong over there? India is going to be a global player and not just a regional one?
If Pakistan can put with China and its global ambitions, why do you find it difficult to put up with India with comparable population and an economy that is growing very fast?:)
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May 21, 2016 12:59am
Seems like a master stroke and didn't saw that coming from Nawaz Sharif government. If anyone veto Pakistan's application, China will do the same to Indian application hence either both countries will be inducted or neither will be. China just got bargaining chips with this application from Pakistan.
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May 21, 2016 01:07am
@lafanga Your assessment on China's motives is probably accurate.
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May 21, 2016 01:13am
for my Indian readers this is a good response to india's reaction and involvement in the F-16 matter and this will hurt India more if they dont join the NSG but i believe in tit for tat India should have not poked its nose in the F-16 matter even if China is telling Pakistan to do it i think its a very good move either both wont get in or Pakistan will gain membership because of India who is being backed by USA otherwise they would never have been able to gain membership either and the US is only backing India to have them ready for China.
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May 21, 2016 01:46am
If you deserve than your desire must be fulfilled.
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May 21, 2016 01:56am
Good move by Pakistan. One way to check India.
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May 21, 2016 02:28am
we should be more responsible!
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May 21, 2016 03:06am
Continue embarrassing ourselves with "me too" mentality. Why didn't we apply first? Why is our policy always a reaction to Indian moves and not proactive. Disgusting move. Our foreign policy is a joke.
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May 21, 2016 03:05am
Great ambitions and extra ego, while not attending to curb corruptions within the treasury benches,as well as opposition.Let's see what NSG say on the application.
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May 21, 2016 03:12am
Pakistan has right to apply if it fulfills the criteria for membership of NSG.
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May 21, 2016 03:12am
Nothing surprising since we always try to match up with our eastern neighbour.
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May 21, 2016 04:25am
@Ahmed USA The PM doesn't even know what NSG stands for, credit goes to the military,always.
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May 21, 2016 04:50am
@Tarik
Imran Khan is sad what is happening and why NS is outmanovering him.
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May 21, 2016 04:55am
Interesting.
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May 21, 2016 05:01am
Before taking such move, all outcomes should have been considered. I agree with @Lafanga, that this is China's doing for blocking India's bid.
How emabrasing will it be if India joins the NSG and Pakistani application is rejected? Any thought given to worst case scenario?
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May 21, 2016 05:32am
@$aifuddin Takhtawala you are spot on.
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May 21, 2016 05:38am
@lafanga good analysis.
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May 21, 2016 05:49am
Great news. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power and moving in the right direction.
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May 21, 2016 05:51am
Nuclear race is not good for the humanity. Help poor to put food on their table both Pakistan and India.
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May 21, 2016 06:07am
Thanks China !!!
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May 21, 2016 06:12am
Now we can no more have a deterrence against India, China will walk out of CPEC. Another policy blunder.
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May 21, 2016 07:12am
@The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Show courage and maturity by signing No first use of Nuclear weapons policy like India.
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May 21, 2016 07:26am
Donald Trump as President will bring China on board as George Bush had done for waiver of nuclear deal. Pakistan's position is temporary obstruction. Pak can't stop India's March. Better we cooperate and be friends
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May 21, 2016 07:45am
@$aifuddin Takhtawala You mentioned to focus on industry development. Nuclear is one of the industry that have application in myriads of field including power generation, medical, and more.
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May 21, 2016 07:46am
Nice move... all the best!
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May 21, 2016 08:03am
This is excellent move by Pakistan.
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May 21, 2016 08:04am
Anyone can win in life by all means by simply avoiding two things 1. Comparing with others and 2. Expecting from others
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May 21, 2016 08:15am
An action in the right direction. Pak must adop aggressive proactive approach at all international fora available to represent Pakistan and get her legitimate share in this world of unfairness. Pak diplomats need to give up their traditional easy-going work style as country faces huge challenges.
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May 21, 2016 08:45am
@Ahmed USA says: Excellent news!!! Should have been done years ago... Credit goes to PM and COAS for making the right move at the right time...
So.... You saying it should have been done years ago and in next sentence you saying right move at right time ?? What are you talking ?
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May 21, 2016 09:13am
@The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Indian have "no first use policy".
Its the reason by which we get.
U can only have if u sign NPT or no first use policy.
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May 21, 2016 10:16am
On what basis applied?? Whole world know Pakistan record of proliferation
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May 21, 2016 10:17am
Two countires born together , now in race together and will die together ( if nuclear madness does not vanish ).
Real brothers fate witten in heaven.
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May 21, 2016 10:23am
Based on consensus, 46 out of 48 are for India, while only 2 out of 48 are for Pakistan.
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May 21, 2016 10:25am
@Ghaznavi Hegemony is what bigger nations are meant to do, rule of nature. US, Russia, China, India are all into it.
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May 21, 2016 10:38am
In NSG India faces opposition from 1 country but Pakistan will face opposition from 47
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May 21, 2016 11:27am
@Harmony-1© There is always great response to military news but very few on economy and development.
Does it reflect the actual setiments across the nation
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May 21, 2016 11:30am
What US does china copies and what India does pakistan copies
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May 21, 2016 11:31am
@wellwisher this motto I guess is what is sinking pakistqn
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May 21, 2016 11:42am
@bryan very true bryan, Pakistan is rampant with Jihadis instead of tackling them it doesnt make sense chasing such far fetched dreams
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May 21, 2016 11:44am
Applying for NSG is Free...F-16s are Not!
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May 21, 2016 12:01pm
Excellent tit for tat given to India by Pakistan and China. Poor India can't do anything against China even after knowing that China is behind all this
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May 21, 2016 01:49pm
@Bryan - The "great response to military news" is due to Indian comments. Ever noticed response on corruption news, for example? It was a lot more on some news even without Indian input.
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May 21, 2016 03:58pm
Whatever India does, Pakistan wants to do. Why? India is a big country like China.
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May 21, 2016 10:12pm
@Uzair The timing of move shows, as usual, the negative intentions of Pakistan which here is more than to join NSG, is to stop India from joining it! And please note, this is not brainchild of Pakistan but of China, which is using Pakistan as proxy, to voice its concerns for its own interests. If Pak wanted to do it, it would have done long time ago.
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May 21, 2016 10:25pm
China, now, has started using Pakistan as doormat.
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May 21, 2016 10:29pm
@Fakkir : on what basis....?
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May 21, 2016 10:38pm
@Lahori Kid It is not the military either. It is the people who deal with and understand the NSG issues how it impacts our future needs in electricity from atom. Army is always on board and behind these people.
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May 22, 2016 09:31am
Anyone can fill form what so great.
unnecessary hype
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May 22, 2016 09:56am
@Mukul They are ready and China will also accept Pakistan as its another state but what ill happen when China orders Roza for six hours only.
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May 22, 2016 11:23am
china should be out of NSG for proliferating Nuke weapons technology
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May 22, 2016 12:37pm
But are there countries who donate nuclear fuel with out taking money ?
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May 22, 2016 12:54pm
Nice. Two proliferates (China & Pak) ganging up to enter NSG. China supplied Pak in complete violation of NPT that it had signed & Pak was in any case a loose cannon, with the AKQ network.
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May 22, 2016 03:33pm
India want to join NSG is not for nuclear weapons but for civil nuclear capabilities. Pakistan,s only aim is producing more arms.
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May 22, 2016 09:58pm
After reading the comments below I almost thought Pakistan is admitted to the club. Wake up folks. What is wrong with you guys?
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