Pak Govt approves to set up Strategic Export Control Division

Islamabad, Apr 30 (UNI) Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved establishment of Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

''In pursuance of Export Control Act on Goods, Technologies, Materials and Equipment of 2004, the Prime Minister has approved the setting up of a national export control authority, and its Oversight Board,'' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told a press briefing here today.

The SECDIV, will formulate and enforce rules and regulations for the implementation of export controls in accordance with the Export Control Act 2004 and also act as a licensing body.

''The Oversight Board has already been constituted and it will also oversee the setting up of SECDIV,'' Ms Aslam said.

In October 2005, Pakistan notified a Control List of goods, technologies, materials and equipment which incorporate the internationally accepted standard lists of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG) dealing with biological agents and toxins, and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

Export of items on the Control List from Pakistan will only be possible after approval by the SECDIV.

The SECDIV will be manned by representatives of the concerned Ministries and organisations responsible for the implementation and enforcement of export controls, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenues and others, as required.

''The adoption of Export Control Act, notification of national Control List and the establishment of SECDIV are a continuing manifestation of Pakistan's strong commitment to non-proliferation and its determination to fulfill its national and international export control commitments,'' Ms Aslam added.

Pakistan had taken punitive action against its top scientist Dr A Q Khan in early 2004 almost four months after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that he proliferated nuclear techology to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

UNI