Pakistan has told the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington that it has strong credentials to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and other multilateral export control regimes, on a non-discriminatory basis.
In its national statement made to the Summit, hosted by US President Barack Obama, Pakistan said that it has, over the years, streamlined and strengthened its export control regime and enhanced its engagement with multilateral export control regimes.
“Pakistan’s participation in the entire NSS process reflects its seriousness and strong sense of responsibility. We remain alive to the need for sustained national efforts in the domain of nuclear security,” said the statement.
“Pakistan believes that safe and sustainable civil nuclear energy is essential to advance its economic development plans,” it added.
“Pakistan’s Energy Security Plan includes a Nuclear Power Programme 2050, to meet current energy shortfalls and future requirements of a growing population and economy. Towards this end, Pakistan envisages generation of nuclear energy of 40,000 MW. To realise this plan, Pakistan seeks international civil nuclear cooperation,” the national statement said.
It said, “Pakistan is ready to assist interested states with experience and expertise gained in the areas of nuclear power generation, and other applications of nuclear technology, under the auspices of the IAEA.”
“As a country with advanced nuclear fuel cycle capability, Pakistan is in a position to provide nuclear fuel cycle services under IAEA safeguards, and to participate in any non-discriminatory nuclear fuel cycle assurance mechanisms.”
Pakistan told the world leaders that as a responsible nuclear state, it takes nuclear security very seriously and accords it the highest priority in its security construct.
“Our nuclear security paradigm, evolved over the years, is effective and responsive against the entire range of possible threats. Nuclear security regime in Pakistan is dynamic and regularly reviewed and updated.
“In line with the commitment made during the 2014 NSS, Pakistan ratified the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) last month which reaffirms Pakistan’s confidence in its national nuclear security regime, which is consistent with the contemporary international standards.
“Pakistan’s nuclear security regime is based on national legislative, regulatory and administrative framework. The elements of nuclear security in Pakistan include robust command and control system led by the National Command Authority (NCA), rigorous regulatory regime, comprehensive export controls and international cooperation.
“Pakistan has established a specially trained, highly skilled and well-equipped force that is designed for nuclear security. Dedicated intelligence provides depth to its security architecture.”
“The regulatory regime encompasses all matters related to nuclear safety and security, including physical protection of materials and facilities, material control and accounting, transport security, prevention of illicit trafficking, border controls, and plans to deal with possible radiological emergencies through an elaborate Nuclear Emergency Management System (NEMS).
“Pakistan’s export control regime is at par with the standards followed by Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Australia Group.”
“As part of nuclear security regime, Pakistan’s Centre of Excellence on Nuclear Security (PCENS) has been established. Working together, PCENS, the National Institute of Safety and Security (NISAS) and Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) provide exhaustive education and training in areas including physical protection, material control and accounting, transport security, cyber security and personnel reliability.
“These training facilities continue to grow into a regional and international hub, with support of the IAEA.”
“In collaboration with IAEA, PCENS has conducted several regional and national training courses. Pakistan hosted the annual meeting of the ‘International Network of Nuclear Security Support Centres’ in March 2016, which was the first meeting of the Network held outside IAEA Headquarters, Vienna.