Pak combatting nuke terrorism: Foreign Secretary

Maintaining that Pakistan is actively combatting any and all forms of nuclear terrorism, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said Wednesday that Islamabd is fully committed to non-proliferation and disarmament.

Radio Pakistan said that Janjua mentioned this during the inaugural session of a two-day global seminar on 'The present and future of strategic export controls' here.

"Pakistan shares the global concerns on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the threat it poses to international peace and security," The Nation and Radio Pakistan quoted, Janjua, as saying.

"We recognise the necessity of exercising effective control on transfers of sensitive goods and technologies to prevent their misuse and divergence. At the same time, all states have legitimate interest in accessing dual use technologies for genuine socio-economic development needs," she added.

Pakistan takes its international commitments to non-proliferation very seriously and is fully implementing its obligations as a state party to various international instruments, she said.

"The country's export control regime is consistent with the standards followed by Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime and the Australia Group. Elements of nuclear safety in Pakistan include robust command and control system led by National Command Authority, rigorous regulatory regime, comprehensive export control regime and international cooperation. Pakistan has declared voluntary adherence to guidelines of Nuclear Suppliers Group,"Janjua added.

"Pakistan's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Pakistan has a long tradition of international scientific collaboration and it is the first country to gain associate membership of CERN in our region. Pakistan's participation will further the NSG's objectives," Janjua said.