Special Assistant to the Prime Minister’s Intervention at the Working Lunch “International and Institutional Actions to Strengthen Nuclear Security”
President Barack Obama
Distinguished Leaders,
The timing and topic of this Summit’s deliberations could not have been more appropriate and relevant and one to which we attach great importance in Pakistan.
Mr. President,
Even though the existing international nuclear security framework is elaborate and provides for concerted international and institutional actions to strengthen nuclear security, recent events have confirmed that much more needs to be done.
With the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its center, the framework ensures balance between the principle of national responsibility and the need for coordination and voluntary exchanges of experience, expertise and best practices.
Pakistan, being a responsible nuclear power, is party to several international instruments relevant to nuclear safety and security. Within the framework of these instruments and the IAEA activities and programmes, Pakistan is committed to international cooperation consistent with our national priorities.
International and institutional actions are shaped and determined by national nuclear security measures. If states adopt strong measures at the national level, nuclear security will be enhanced globally as well.
Pakistan takes its responsibilities related to nuclear safety and security very seriously. Our nuclear security regime is effective, dynamic and responsive to the entire range of threats. The elements of nuclear security in Pakistan include robust command and control system under the National Command Authority (NCA), rigorous regulatory regime, comprehensive export controls and cooperation with IAEA and other countries.
Our export controls are consistent with those being implemented by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Australia Group (AG). As well, Pakistan’s Center of Excellence on Nuclear Security continues to grow into a regional and international hub.
Mr. President,
We have been running a safe, secure and safeguarded civil nuclear programme for more than forty years. In our view, Mr. President, a policy of inclusiveness, rather than erecting barriers to the participation of a wider circle of responsible states would serve far better our common goal of strengthening global nuclear security. It is in this context we believe that since Pakistan has strong credentials on nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation, it qualifies for full integration in the multilateral export control regimes.
In the years to come, Post-NSS 2016 focus should be on broadening participation in efforts towards promoting nuclear security through the platform of IAEA, which has primacy and the competence in handling matters related to nuclear security.
April 01, 2016
Washington D.C
