Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Father of Pak nuclear programme questioned: Spokesman

IRNA

Islamabad, Dec 23, IRNA - Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman 
Tuesday said questions have been asked from the founder of 
Pakistan nuclear programme Dr Abdul Qadeer with regard to the 
on-going debriefing sessions of nuclear scientists amidst reports 
of unauthorized transfer of nuclear technology by few Pakistani 
scientists. 
However the spokesman Masood Khan said Dr Khan has not 
undergone normal debriefing sessions. 
Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapons state and will never 
resort to proliferation, Khan said while replying to a volley of 
questions at the weekly news briefing here Tuesday about the 
on-going debriefing of some nuclear scientists. 
"Pakistan understands its international obligations in this 
regard and is fulfilling them," he said. 
The spokesman made it clear that the government of Pakistan has 
not authorized or initiated any transfers of sensitive nuclear 
technology or information to other countries. 
He said Pakistan has a very strong command and control system 
and a very stringent export control regime. 
"There should be no doubt about it as the president has given 
four hundred percent assurance and commitment that Pakistan would 
not violate or proliferate." 
Answering a question, the spokesman said has been approached by 
the International Atomic Energy Agency. 
The information pointed to certain individuals and that is why 
debriefing of some nuclear scientists is taking place for the last 
five to six weeks. 
He said the debriefing is purely an internal exercise and no 
foreigner or foreign agency is involved in it. 
"Similar debriefings are being held of individuals of a number 
of countries from Asia, Europe and Africa." 
Replying to another question, he said debriefings are continuing 
and no determination has yet been made. He, however, said if at the 
end of process there are any culpable individuals, the government of 
Pakistan, state institutions and entities will distance themselves 
from this. 
"No state institutions or public entity is ever been involved in 
the transfer of nuclear technology or information." 
Replying to another question, he said there are indications that 
certain individuals might have been motivated by personal ambitions 
or greed. 
He said if any individuals are found involved in any such 
activity then actions against them will be taken under Pakistan 
law. 
"No individual is above law or can jeopardize the vital security 
interests of Pakistan." 
In reply to a question, the spokesman said that Pakistan 
does not perceive any threat to its nuclear programme. He said it 
has acquired the capability against very heavy odds and is capable 
of safeguarding and protecting this capability and committed not to 
proliferate. 
He said in response to another question that there is no 
proposal under consideration for signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT). 
TK/TSH/213 
End