ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – In response to India gaining the support of the United States for inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Pakistan has intensified efforts to secure NSG membership.
In order to mobilize support for Pakistan’s inclusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged a briefing session in Islamabad which was attended by the diplomatic missions of various NSG countries.
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Tasnim Aslam, head of the UN desk at the Foreign Office, in her briefing cautioned that exemptions provided to any country would negatively impact strategic stability in South Asia.
She also outlined the many reasons for Pakistan’s inclusion in the NSG, including the country’s technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to non-proliferation and nuclear safety and security.
“Pakistan has the expertise, manpower, infrastructure and the ability to supply NSG controlled items, goods and services for a full range of nuclear applications for peaceful uses,” said Tasnim Aslam.
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US President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that his country was backing India’s bid to join the club.
However, China may insist on Pakistan’s inclusion, as a condition to India’s membership.
The NSG, which was created in response to India’s first nuclear test in 1974, is expected to hold its next meeting in June.
The NSG is a 48-nation club dedicated to curbing nuclear arms proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that could foster nuclear weapons development.
