Pak 'fully' qualifies for equal participation in civil nuclear cooperation: NCA

Islamabad, Apr.6 (ANI): Pakistan's National Command Authority (NCA) has stressed that the country 'fully' qualifies for equal participation in the civil nuclear cooperation at the international level, as it has vast experience in the field.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired the 17th meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) during which the policies and measures put in place for the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities were reviewed.

"Pakistan has more than 35 years experience of operating nuclear power plants, highly trained manpower and a well-established safety and security culture. And as such, it fully qualifies for equal participation in the civil nuclear cooperation at the international level," the NCA said.

A statement issued by the NCA after the meeting acknowledged that safeguarding country's nuclear establishments is the prime factor to facilitate international nuclear cooperation.

"Nuclear safety and security as well as safeguards are vehicles for facilitating the international civil nuclear cooperation," The News quoted the statement, as saying.

The NCA pointed out that due to rapidly changing socio-economic conditions, Pakistan's energy need has increased considerably over the last few years, and civil nuclear power generation is, therefore, an essential part of the national energy security strategy.

It also expressed the hope that Islamabad would continue to benefit from the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) relevant programmes on nuclear security. (ANI)