Pakistan urges equitable, non-discriminatory criteria for NSG

The Pakistani representative cautioned against the grant of waivers to the long held non-proliferation norms

Islamabad, Dec 16: Pakistan has emphasized its eligibility to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, saying it was critical to adopt an equitable criteria.

Speaking at the UN Security Council on Thursday, the acting Pakistani Permanent Representative to the UN, Nabeel Munir, was quoted by Dawn saying that Pakistan had taken a series of steps that fully qualify it for joining the NSG.

He underscored Pakistan's commitment to its non-proliferation obligations, saying it had been a consistent supporter of the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004), which affirms that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitutes a threat to international peace and security.

"Our commitment to its implementation has remained second to none," he said in a debate on stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non State actors.

"It is in the interest of all states to prevent proliferation of WMDs to states as well as non state actors."

The Pakistani representative also cautioned against the grant of waivers to the long held non-proliferation norms and rules as such a move carries obvious proliferation risks and also threaten regional strategic stability.

Underscoring Pakistan's fulfilment of its non proliferation obligations, he noted the adoption of several measures, including a comprehensive export control regime and a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing, which it was prepared to translate into a bilateral arrangement with India.

IANS