Pakistan vow on nuclear exports

Richard Ekwall (L) is leading the Nuclear Suppliers Group team

Pakistan has told members of a nuclear non-proliferation body it wants to work with the global community to check the spread of nuclear weapons technology.

However, it said would only sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if it was accepted as a nuclear power.

This is the first visit to Pakistan of the 44-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, which polices nuclear exports.

Pakistan's industry came under scrutiny after a top scientist said he illegally transferred technology overseas.

Pakistan has admitted AQ Khan led an international network that was involved in transferring nuclear information and material to countries like Iran, Libya and North Korea.

However, it says the government was not involved in any transfer.

Further checks

Since the Khan affair, Islamabad has taken a number of steps to try to revive its image as a responsible nuclear weapons state.

It confined Dr Khan to house arrest and has offered to send nuclear parts to a UN watchdog to help it investigate whether Iran is developing atomic weapons.

The representatives of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) discussed with Pakistani officials further checks on unauthorised exports.

Foreign ministry spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani said the NSG appreciated Pakistan's recent more stringent legislation against the unauthorised export of nuclear-related material.

Pakistan is keen to become a member of the prestigious international group.

However, it would have to sign the non-proliferation treaty and Mr Jilani said Pakistan would only sign as an accepted nuclear state.

The NSG seeks to contribute to non-proliferation through the implementation of guidelines for nuclear-related exports.

Chairman Richard Ekwall of Sweden, who is part of the three-man team visiting Pakistan, said the trip was an "outreach" programme to states that were not members but were heavily involved in technology.