Pakistan rules out any nuclear proliferation

Feb 6, 2007, 14:00 GMT

Islamabad - Pakistan on Tuesday strongly rejected any involvement in nuclear proliferation but said this problem was continuing unchecked in other countries, particularly 'western countries'.

'Proliferation of nuclear weapons is a serious issue and we would like to see as strong action as Pakistan has taken,' Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam told journalists in Islamabad, noting the action in 2004 against Pakistan's top nuclear scientist for leaking technology.

Her remarks came during discussion of proposed US legislation that will increase pressure on Pakistan to ensure non-proliferation of nuclear weapons technology.

The bill, which has already been endorsed by the House of Representatives, also calls for linking US military assistance to Pakistan with its results in curbing Taliban militant activities.

Citing study reports and inferences drawn by think tanks, the spokeswoman said western countries involved in proliferation had done nothing to check the transfer of nuclear technology. Aslam did not specify which countries she meant.

By contrast, she recalled the Pakistani government's action three years ago against Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of country's nuclear programme, for involvement in nuclear proliferation. His case was linked to the recovery in Iran of centrifuges used earlier in Pakistan's nuclear programme.

Khan apologized to the nation and filed a mercy petition to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that was accepted within one day. The ailing scientist remains under house arrest in Islamabad.