Gilani seeks uniform approach on nuke technology transfer

Amid stepped-up efforts by Pakistan to seek a nuclear deal similar to the Indo-US accord, Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani today asked major nuclear powers to adopt a uniform approach so that the transfer of atomic technology did not remain the "prerogative of a chosen few."

Amid stepped-up efforts by Pakistan to seek a nuclear deal similar to the Indo-US accord, Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani today asked major nuclear powers to adopt a uniform approach so that the transfer of atomic technology did not remain the "prerogative of a chosen few."

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Major nuclear powers, International Atomic Energy Agency and Nuclear Suppliers Group "need to harmonise their policies" to adopt a uniform approach for transfer of nuclear technology for civilian purposes to developing countries, Gilani told a gathering of scientists at the Quaid-e-Azam University here.

The new approach should be in conformity with "the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes," one of the three pillars of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, he said. "It should not remain a privilege and prerogative of a chosen few."

Though Gilani did not refer to the Indo-US nuclear deal, he was apparently making a case for Pakistan to be given a similar arrangement for accessing atomic technology and know-how. Pakistan has stepped up efforts to acquire nuclear technology from countries like China in the wake of the Indo-US deal.