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Nuclear Material Joins Banned Export List
Islamabad, 28 Dec. (AKI/DAWN) - The Pakistani government has tightened up its classification of nuclear goods, technologies and equipments that will be subject to strict export controls. The spokesperson for the Pakistani foreign office Tasnim Aslam said that effective and robust export controls should also facilitate international cooperation in the area of civilian nuclear technology. She said that the goods were listed according to international standards. When asked if the goods were being classified because of international pressure, Aslam said that it had been done keeping in view national requirements. An official statement issued by the foreign office said all of Pakistanâs existing nuclear power-generating plants are under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The control lists have been classified under the Export Control Act, which was adopted by parliament in September 2004. The statement said that the classification system was based on the European Unionâs integrated list, which constitutes the latest international standards in this regard. The list also further highlights Pakistanâs policy to implement its national and international non-proliferation commitments as a responsible nuclear weapon state, according to the foreign office statement. The lists are being provided to all concerned, including the manufacturers of such goods and technologies as well as to the enforcement agencies, for effective control at the borders. In view of growing energy needs for development and the scarcity of natural fossil fuel reserves, Pakistan plans to generate 8,800 megawatts of nuclear power by the year 2025 through the setting up of additional nuclear power plants under IAEA safeguards. There has been international concern about Pakistan's nuclear programme after Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan's atomic bomb, admitted in February 2004 that he had trafficked nuclear secrets and parts to other countries, including Iran, Libya and North Korea. However the nuclear scientist has not been allowed any visitors and international investigators into global nuclear proliferation have not been allowed to question him. Posted by: Steve 2005-12-28 |
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