Pakistan calls for non-discriminatory non-proliferation regime

Islamabad, Aug 12 (UNI) Pakistan today called for an equitable non-proliferation regime to curb nuclear proliferation.

''The global non-proliferation regime can only be strengthened by the application of norms in a non-discriminatory and equitable manner,'' Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said while talking to Gareth Evans, former Foreign Minister of Australia.

Mr Evans is also co-chairperson of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, which is a joint initiative of the governments of Australia and Japan.

A general exchange of views on international disarmament and non-proliferation issues took place during the meeting with Mr Qureshi reiterating Pakistan's principled positions on these issues.

The Foreign Minister also stressed the need for a balanced approach incorporating disarmament, non-proliferation and access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy for civilian purposes.

UNI XC PD AS1525