Albatross
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US President Barack Obama, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (L-R) attend attend the opening session of the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in The Hague March 24, 2014. PHOTO: REUTERS
THE HAGUE: Referring to the prevailing energy crisis in Pakistan, prime minister Nawaz Sharif told the Nuclear Security Summit at The Hague on Monday that its nuclear programme was secure, and that it seeks international cooperation and assistance for civil nuclear energy needs under IAEA safeguards, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing at the 3rd Nuclear Security Summit at The Hague on Monday, Nawaz highlighted that Pakistan had been running a safe and secure nuclear programme for over four decades and it has the expertise, manpower and infrastructure to produce civil nuclear energy.
The premier called for Pakistan’s inclusion in all international export control regimes, especially the Nuclear Suppliers Group. International treaties and forums should supplement national actions to fortify nuclear security, said Nawaz.
Pakistan’s nuclear security policy
Explaining the Pakistan’s nuclear security Nawaz said it is supported by five pillars – a strong command and control system led by the National Command Authority (NCA); an integrated intelligence system; a rigorous regulatory regime; a comprehensive export control regime; and active international cooperation.
“Our security regime covers physical protection, material control and accounting, border controls and radiological emergencies,” said PM.
He claimed that Pakistan’s nuclear materials, facilities and assets are safe and secure. Our nuclear security regime is anchored in the principle of multi-layered defense for the entire spectrum – insider, outsider or cyber threat, Nawaz elaborated.
He further elaborated that Pakistan have established a Centre of Excellence that conducts intense specialized courses in nuclear security, physical protection and personnel reliability. We are ready to share our best practices and training facilities with other interested states in the region and beyond.
Discussing the measures taken by Pakistan to prevent nuclear proliferation, Nawaz said that Pakistan has deployed radiation detection mechanisms at several exit and entry points to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials.
Talking about the international cooperation on nuclear security, the premier said that IAEA has an essential responsibility and a central role to play and Pakistan has been working productively with the IAEA to implement its Nuclear Security Action Plan (NSAP).
Ratification of CPPNM
Prime minister announced that Pakistan is considering ratification of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). We are actively conducting a review to meet its various requirements, said Nawaz.
