THE HAGUE
Pakistan assured the world community that it is considering ratification of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and is actively conducting a review to meet its various requirements, as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that energy-starved Pakistan was anxiously looking forward to international cooperation and assistance for nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.
He also called for Pakistan’s inclusion in all international export control regimes, especially the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and international treaties and forums should supplement national actions to fortify nuclear security.
“Pakistan’s nuclear security is supported by five pillars – a strong command and control system led by the National Command Authority (NCA); an integrated intelligence system; a rigorous regulatory regime; a comprehensive export control regime; and active international cooperation,” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said while addressing the 3rd Nuclear Security Summit on Monday.
The two-day summit is being attended by leaders from 53 countries, United Nations, European Union, International Atomic Energy Agency and Interpol.
Prime Minister Sharif is accompanied by Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry for the trip.
The first Nuclear Security Summit was held in Washington in 2010 and the second in Seoul in 2012. The summit is aimed at promoting nuclear security through voluntary national actions and international cooperation. The prime minister will also be one of the keynote speakers at a meeting on the future of the NSS process on March 25.
During Monday’s speech, Nawaz said Pakistan attaches highest importance to nuclear security because it is directly linked to the country’s national security.
“Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapons state. We pursue a policy of nuclear restraint, as well as credible minimum deterrence,” the premier remarked.
“Looking back, we can say with confidence that our decisions and commitments have spurred national action, promoted international cooperation and fostered nuclear security culture,” he said.
On prevention of nuclear terrorism, he remarked, “We all want nuclear security, which is a national responsibility and a global priority.”
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Nawaz called for taking measures to secure all nuclear facilities and materials and prevent any perceived nuclear terrorist threat. But at the same time the Pakistani leader underlined the importance of nuclear technology for hospitals, industry and research and said, “We should be vigilant about radiological threats.”
“Our region needs peace and stability for economic development that benefits its people. That is why, I strongly advocate nuclear restraint, balance in conventional forces and ways to resolve conflicts,” Nawaz said.
Highlighting security features of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Prime Minister Sharif said the country’s security regime covers physical protection, material control and accounting, border controls and radiological emergencies.
“Pakistan’s nuclear security regime is anchored in the principle of multi-layered defence for the entire spectrum – insider, outsider or cyber threat. We have established a Centre of Excellence that conducts intense specialized courses in nuclear security, physical protection and personnel reliability,” remarked the premier.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan is ready to share its best practices and training facilities with other interested states in the region and beyond.
“We have also deployed radiation detection mechanisms at several exit and entry points to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials.”
The prime minister called upon other world leaders to consolidate progress made so far on nuclear security. “We must also maintain our political will, avoid duplication of effort and broaden our membership to gain more acceptance for our decisions,” he added.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also recently declared the nuclear program of Pakistan as safe and secure and appreciated the obvious dedication to the safety and security of the regulators as well of operators. Also we have improved our position in recent NTI report which shows our dedication we attach to the nuclear assets. All we need is to let down our energy dilemma which can be solved by having civil nuclear technology deals from powers like US.
We get an accurate and appropriate time and place to apprise the international community about the true picture of Pakistan’s energy crisis. Pakistan has made commendable efforts to give the highest level of security to its nuclear buildup and it remains successful on this. The nuclear security of Pakistan is been evolved around five major parameters to build indissoluble sanctuary. Now we are using the nuclear credentials for the power generation purposes. Energy is the backbone to run the economy. But insufficient energy resources are a big challenge and can lead to a downfall. This what Pakistan has experienced in shape of severe energy crisis. Now Pakistan is going for civilian nuclear capacity building to fulfill the civilian needs of the economy.
International community has shown satisfaction upon Pakistan's efforts to ensure nuclear safety and security. Today major concern for Pakistan is its energy crisis and yet international community has shown reluctance to assist Pakistan in energy sector. This discrimination has further dragged Pakistan into more chaos. Today, economy of Pakistan has been badly suffered due to massive power cuts. US and its allies should offer similar nuclear deal as offered to India.
Pakistan has assured the safety of its nuclear weapons from getting into the hands of non-state actors that can use illegally but definitely to boost its fragile economy and infrastructure it needs to overcome the energy crisis. Pakistan economic and industrial progress needs the right amount of energy sources and the available energy source in this cost and safe is the nuclear technology. Pakistan should increase the efforts to initiate the civil nuclear agreements with all countries in the nuclear supplier group that will be beneficial to both parties.
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