Pakistan capable of capturing nuclear exports market in Middle East: Expert

Pakistan can capture the nuclear exports market in the Middle East by offering to share its expertise and services in this field, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) director general Maria Sultan has said.

Pakistan has a significant role to play in the new nuclear order, Dr Sultan said while addressing a meeting titled “Future of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme and Nuclear World Order,” in the National Press Club.

Only nine countries, including P-5, China, Italy and Norway, are able to provide nuclear technology and train manpower.

Pakistan could exploit the 3-trillion-dollar nuclear exports market in the Middle East because it possesses nuclear scientists, knowledge of nuclear technology, and equipment, Dr Sultan said.

She noted that nuclear energy is the only option for various countries to fulfil their energy needs, and Pakistan can capture this market by offering to share its expertise and services in this field.

Pointing out that India could export its nuclear technology to other countries after becoming part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group despite the fact that it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), she said that Pakistan must be given the same status.

Under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540, Chapter 7, Pakistan also promulgated laws encompassing exports and control in 2004, the Daily Times quoted Dr Sultan, as saying.