Pakistan should be given NSG waiver : Gilani

Islamabad, May 9 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has demanded a waiver for his country as a Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) to enable it fulfil its civil nuclear needs.

Speaking after the test fire of two ballistic missiles-Ghazvavi and Shaheen-I, Gilani described nuclear energy as a vital economic security need of the country

Gilani said the international community, must recognise Pakistan as a nuclear power and must be given equal rights and responsibilities in this regard.

"Pakistan is capable of providing nuclear fuel cycle services, under the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) safeguards, and this offer was also made at the Nuclear Security Summit," he said while referring to the recent Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington last month.

Gilani reiterated that Pakistan's nuclear establishments are well guarded and that it has developed a nuclear deterrence capability.

The News quoted Gilani as saying that there was a need for the international community to move beyond nuclear safety and security concerns. (ANI)