Khan network, construction at Chashma plant to grind Pak in US nuclear summit

Washington, Apr 5(ANI): The US nuclear summit in Washington is poised to bring unnecessary focus on Pakistan over its denial to links with the A. Q. Khan network and reports that China has signed a deal with them to construct two pressurised water reactors at the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.

The Pakistan Embassy has said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would reach Washington to attend the summit on April 11 with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and a small delegation.

The conference, which aims to curb proliferation of nuclear materials, would provide an easy opportunity for a majority of world leaders to question Pakistan over the controversial issues.

Though Pakistan has denied any links to the Khan network (blamed for smuggling nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea) and has taken steps to further tighten security around its nuclear installations, anti-Pakistan lobbies in Washington have already started highlighting the case to put spotlight on Islamabad, The Dawn reports.

Pakistan may also be scrutinised over reports, which claim that China also agreed to provide a low-interest loan for 82 percent of the 1.912 billion dollar project for two 320 MWe units.

Gilani can hope to get some support from Chinese President Hu Jintao, who has confirmed his participation in the event.

China's support can be very useful for Pakistan as the Americans too need Beijing's support for other important issues, such as containing Iran's nuclear ambitions, and for promoting a universal ban on nuclear proliferation.

Over 50 heads of state or government have confirmed their participation in the April 12-13 summit. (ANI)