Pakistan says its n-policy governed by restraint, responsibility

Pakistan's nuclear policy rests on the twin pillars of restraint and responsibility and is exclusively geared towards maintaining strategic stability in South Asia, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said here, the media reported on Tuesday.

In a meeting with Austria's Secretary General Michael Linhart in Vienna on Monday, Chaudhry said Pakistan has taken extensive measures in the areas of nuclear safety and security, export controls and command and control, Dawn online reported.

The foreign secretary briefed Austria on notable gains achieved by Pakistan in its counter-terrorism campaign.

He also briefed Linhart on Pakistan's positive role in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan as well as efforts to facilitate the Afghanistan government's reconciliation efforts with the Afghan Taliban.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and emphasised the need for enhanced trade and investment.

Chaudhry also told Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano that Pakistan accords the highest importance to nuclear safety and security and was fully meeting its obligations in this regard.

Chaudhry appreciated IAEA's unique role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology through its Technical Cooperation Programme.

Amano expressed satisfaction on the implementation of IAEA Safeguards in Pakistan and appreciated the country's nuclear safety and security record.