Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Pakistan seeks equal status in civilian nuclear dealing

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb 20, IRNA
Pakistan-India-Nuclear
Pakistan urged the world community on Monday to treat it equal with India in civilian nuclear cooperation.

Pakistan expects that the United States, France and the international community should treat equally both Pakistan and India while extending civilian nuclear cooperation as Pakistan also needs international help to generate nuclear power to meet its energy needs, the Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said.

The spokesperson was commenting on reports that India and France have signed an agreement to pursue civilian nuclear co-operation 'for peaceful purposes'.

Pakistan and India enjoy the equal status on the nuclear issue and both are non-signatory to Non Proliferation Treaty, Aslam said.

Bird flu: Replying to a question regarding possible spread of bird flu from India, Aslam said Pakistan government is taking preventive measures to control any possible outbreak.

She said that there is no proposal under consideration to seal Pakistan-India border in this regard.

However, she urged the Indian government to take concrete measures to control any outbreak of bird flu which can result in a human disaster, once it spreads.

She said that the issue has also been taken up with the United Nations to combat any untoward situation.

Chinese engineers: To another question, she said that the killing of Chinese engineers was an act of terrorism and despite best efforts by any government such an incident can happen.

However, she said Chinese team is in Islamabad and they are satisfied with the steps taken by the Pakistan government to handle the issue.

She said this act of terror has occurred at the time of president's visit to China to sabotage it but bilateral relations are very strong and both countries can overcome this type of problems.

Palestinian gov't: To yet another question, the spokesperson said Pakistan recognizes any government in Palestine elected by its people, which reflects the aspirations of the people.

Pakistanis in Afghan jails: To a question, the spokesperson said there are thirty to forty prisoners in Afghan jails, who are reportedly involved in serious crimes.

She said that there are about four hundred Afghan prisoners in Pakistani jails while over four hundred prisoners have been released on the occasion of recent visit of the Afghan president to Pakistan.

2020/235/2322/1412