Pakistan’s application for NSG based on solid grounds: Fatemi

BRUSSELS: Pakistan’s application for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is based on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and commitment to nuclear safety and security.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi said this during his meetings with leadership of Belgium in Brussels as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy. He held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Didier Reynders and Secretary-General Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dirk Achten.

While seeking Belgium’s support for Pakistan’s membership of NSG, the special assistant emphasized the need for adopting a non-discriminatory and objective approach while considering membership applications for NSG, as this issue directly impacted the strategic stability in South Asia as well as the future of the global non-proliferation regime.

The Belgian side was also apprised about the current situation in Kashmir. The Special Assistant voiced Pakistan’s deep concern about the massive human rights violations being committed by the Indian security forces in occupied Kashmir.

He urged the international community to play its role in urging India to respect the basic rights of the people of the occupied Kashmir to ensure their right to self determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Both sides utilized the opportunity to also discuss various aspects of bilateral relations and agreed on the need for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in diverse areas.