News
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Pakistan’s strategic assets in safe hands: NCA* Meeting chaired by PM terms civil nuclear power generation essential part of national energy security strategy
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The 17th meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) on Monday expressed full confidence in the arrangements for custodial controls as well as the safety and security of Pakistan’s strategic assets, and the effectiveness of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence.
The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani reviewed in detail, the policies and measures in place for the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities, said a press release issued by the Inter-Service Public Relations.
The NCA reiterated that, as a nuclear-armed state with advanced nuclear technology and expertise, Pakistan was fully cognisant of its responsibilities. The nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation measures put in place by Pakistan were supported by extensive legislative, regulatory and administrative framework.
While expressing confidence in the indigenous know-how and technology to sustain national nuclear safety and security systems, the NCA said, Pakistan would continue to benefit from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) relevant programmes on nuclear security.
The NCA took note of the fact that Pakistan’s socio-economic development was dependent on its ability to meet rapidly expanding energy requirements. There was a need to explore all options to ensure a reliable energy mix. Civil nuclear power generation was therefore an essential part of the national energy security strategy.
Having a vast experience of operating nuclear power plants, highly trained manpower and a well-established safety and security culture, Pakistan fully qualifies for equal participation in civil nuclear cooperation at the international level, it was revealed in the meeting.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk