ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday that it had applied for the membership of the Nuclear Sup­pliers Group (NSG), a 48-nation cartel of nuclear technology holders, saying its inclusion would help further non-proliferation objectives.

“In a letter addressed to the chairman of NSG, the Ambassador of Pakistan in Vienna stated that the decision to seek participation in the export control regime reflects Pakistan’s strong support for international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery,” Foreign Office said in a statement.

India, which is being backed by the US, is the other contender. Pakistan’s application, it is believed, would complicate India’s bid for entry into NSG as both are non-NPT states. The candidature of both countries would be discussed at the NSG’s Plenary session in June. All decisions at NSG are taken by consensus.

Pakistan, in the application, cited its credentials for the membership.

“Pakistan 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 uses,” it said.

“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.”

The statement, in a veiled reference to Indian candidature, stressed that any consideration of the requests for membership from non-NPT countries should be non-discriminatory and criteria-based.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...