In response to a question he said: “Grant of exclusive NSG membership to India as an exception, on account of political and commercial considerations, would adversely affect the credibility of non-proliferation regime. It would also bear negative implications for regional peace and security.”
We have consistently stated that NSG should follow an objective, equitable and non-discriminatory approach for admitting new members. Grant of exclusive NSG membership to India as an exception, on account of political and commercial considerations, would adversely affect the credibility of non-proliferation regime. It would also bear negative implications for regional peace and security. Pakistan, therefore, welcomes the recent remarks made by the NSG chair, Ambassador Rafael Grossi, widely reported in India during his visit last month, wherein he ruled out a “tailor made India-specific solution” for NSG membership.
The spokesman further said that the Ministry and all its diplomatic Missions accredited to the 48 NSG member states “continue to actively brief their interlocutors about our strong credentials for NSG membership”.
The spokesman said that Pakistan welcomes recent remarks made by the NSG chair, Ambassador Rafael Grossi, where he ruled out a “tailor made India-specific solution” for NSG membership. He also said that a high-level Pakistani delegation had held a constructive meeting with the “NSG Troika” in Vienna.
Ties with Bangladesh
In response to a question, the spokesman said that Pakistan and Bangladesh enjoyed “brotherly relations and share historic bonds” and that concern by Pakistan over developments there should be seen in this context.
He said further: “Our relations are independent of influence of any other country and do not depend on the state of Pakistan’s relations with any third country. In our statement issued on 22 November 2015, we emphasized the need for reconciliation in Bangladesh in accordance with the spirit of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh Agreement of April 9, 1974, which calls for a forward looking approach in matters relating to 1971. This would foster goodwill and harmony. We have emphasized this earlier as well. We have also expressed concern in the past with regard to developments in Bangladesh relating to events of 1971.”
The spokesman added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would call in the Bangladesh High Commissioner to respond to these points.
In response to another question, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said that”acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam cannot be blamed on Muslims” and that terrorists have no religion.He also said that the government has already expressed its concern on the activities of extremist and fundamentalist groups and organizations in India.
“No comment”
The spokesman was also asked a question whether he had any information on a senior Taliban commander being killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan that also killed militants who were then buried in Pakistan. He replied: “I have no comment with regard to the question relating to a Taliban commander.”
