Statement by the Prime Minister at the Nuclear Security Summit at The Hague, 24 March 2014

First Plenary Session

Mr. Prime Minister,
Distinguished leaders,

We congratulate you for hosting this Summit; and thank your Government and the people of the Netherlands for their gracious hospitality.

Your leadership takes us one step further to strengthen nuclear security.

I also pay a tribute to President Barack Obama for launching the nuclear security summit process four years ago.

Looking back, we can say with confidence that our decisions and commitments have spurred national action, promoted international cooperation and fostered nuclear security culture.

Pakistanhas constructively contributed to this process.

We all want nuclear security, which is a national responsibility and a global priority. We should all continue to take measures to secure all nuclear facilities and materials and prevent any perceived nuclear terrorist threat. We all need radioactive sources for hospitals, industry and research; but we should be vigilant about radiological threats.

Pakistanattaches highest importance to nuclear security because it is directly linked to our national security. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapons state. We pursue a policy of nuclear restraint, as well as credible minimum deterrence.

Our region needs peace and stability for economic development that benefits its people. That is why; I strongly advocate nuclear restraint, balance in conventional forces and ways to resolve conflicts.

Pakistan’s nuclear security is supported by five pillars – a strong command and control system led by the National Command Authority (NCA); an integrated intelligence system; a rigorous regulatory regime; a comprehensive export control regime; and active international cooperation.

Our security regime covers physical protection, material control and accounting, border controls and radiological emergencies.

Our nuclear materials, facilities and assets are safe and secure. Pakistan’s nuclear security regime is anchored in the principle of multi-layered defense for the entire spectrum – insider, outsider or cyber threat.

We have established a Centre of Excellence that conducts intense specialized courses in nuclear security, physical protection and personnel reliability. Pakistan is ready to share its best practices and training facilities with other interested states in the region and beyond.

We have also deployed radiation detection mechanisms at several exit and entry points to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials.

In the realm of international cooperation on nuclear security, IAEA has an essential responsibility and a central role to play. Pakistan has been working productively with the IAEA to implement its Nuclear Security Action Plan (NSAP).

We have been running a safe, secure and safeguarded civil nuclear programme for more than forty years. We have the expertise, manpower and infrastructure to produce civil nuclear energy.

As Prime Minister, I feel that energy deficit is one of the most serious crises facing Pakistan. As we revive our economy, we look forward to international cooperation and assistance for nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.

I call for Pakistan’s inclusion in all international export control regimes, especially the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

International treaties and forums should supplement national actions to fortify nuclear security.

Pakistanis a party to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). We work closely with the IAEA to deal with safety and security of radioactive sources and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. We regularly submit reports to the UN Security Council 1540 Committee on the measure we take to exercise control over transfer of sensitive materials and technologies.

I would like to announce at this Summit that we are considering ratification of the 2005 Amendment to the CPPNM and are actively conducting a review to meet its various requirements.

As we look towards the future, we should consolidate progress made so far on nuclear security. We must also maintain our political will, avoid duplication of effort and broaden our membership to gain more acceptance for our decisions.

I thank you.

Islamabad
25 March,2014