Statement of the Adviser
We have taken careful note of statements made and agreements reached between the United States and India on issues having a global and regional impact during President Obama’s visit to India. While we are examining the longer term implications of these agreements for Pakistan’s security, some comments can be offered straightaway.
Cooperative and collective actions by all member states are required to effectively tackle the global threat of terrorism. Pakistan is a leading partner of the international community in counter-terrorism. We also expect the same commitment from others. Pakistan is also the biggest victim of terrorism, including that sponsored and supported from abroad. Pakistan’s contribution and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism have been widely acknowledged. Pakistan rejects any insinuation or aspersion over its commitment to fight terrorism. Condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations should not be based on selectivity or double standards. Pakistan reiterates its call on India to bring the planners and perpetrators of the February 2007 Samjhota Express terrorist attack to justice.
We have also noted the Joint Statement suggesting that India is ready for NSG membership and other export control regimes. Pakistan is opposed to yet another country-specific exemption from NSG rules to grant membership to India, as this would further compound the already fragile strategic stability environment in South Asia, would further undermine the credibility of NSG and weaken the nonproliferation regime.
Pakistan remains opposed to policies of selectivity and discrimination. Pakistan is not averse to civil nuclear cooperation and NSG membership for Non-NPT states provided it is based on the principles of nondiscrimination and objective nonproliferation criteria. Pakistan would continue to maintain its constructive engagement with NSG and other export control regimes to build its case for membership.
Moreover, the operationalization of Indo-US nuclear deal for political and economic expediencies would have a detrimental impact on deterrence stability in South Asia. Pakistan reserves the right to safeguard its national security interests.
Pakistan, along with a large majority of UN member states favours a comprehensive reform of the Security Council to make this principal organ of the United Nations more representative, democratic, effective, transparent and accountable. A country, in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on matters of international peace and security, such as the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, by no means qualifies for a special status in the Security Council.
Proposals to add new centers of privilege in the Security Council run counter to these collective objectives of Security Council reform; and have no rationale in this age of democracy, inclusiveness and accountability. Pakistan supports a reformed Security Council that corresponds to the positions and collective interests of all member states, not just a few.
Pakistan values its relations with the United States and expects it to play a constructive role for strategic stability and balance in South Asia.
January 27, 2015
Islamabad
