Pakistan's nuclear program

Responding to a Reuters' dispatch Pakistan reviving nuclear black market, experts claim (The Jakarta Post, March 16) pertaining to Pakistan's nuclear program alleging illegal procurement, the Foreign Office spokesman has stated that Pakistan's credentials as a nuclear weapon state are well established. The allegations carried by Reuters only reveal a tendentious motivation.

As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan firmly adheres to non-proliferation goals, even though it is not a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Pakistan has also achieved excellence in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Pakistan will continue to work with members of the international community, both within and outside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) framework as well as at the United Nations for promoting the goals of non-proliferation.

The emphasis on nuclear non-proliferation, however, does not mean that we abandon the requirement of international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The existing anomalies in this regard need to be rectified.

On its part, Pakistan is ready to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

SYED MUSTAFA ANWER HUSAIN, Ambassador, Pakistan Embassy, Jakarta