Madam, - I refer to the coverage of the nuclear inquiry in Pakistan in your esteemed newspaper and your Editorial of February 9th. With regard to certain assumptions therein which have already been officially refuted, it is pointed out:
The Government of Pakistan has strongly rejected allegations of any involvement in or official patronage of nuclear proliferation. No government institution or entity has been involved in any transactions or transfers. The government of Pakistan has never proliferated and shall never proliferate.
In fact an Irish Times report has quoted the president of Pakistan saying that action was taken by him three years ago on suspicion about the activities of nuclear scientists.
Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear power, takes its obligations with utmost seriousness. This includes uncompromising adherence to a policy of not exporting any sensitive technology to third countries.
Pakistan from the outset showed a willingness to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Enery Authority and opened an internal investigation in a proactive and forthright manner.
The inquiry was conducted voluntarily by Pakistan to curb such activities under Pakistani law and also to prove to the world that Pakistan is a responsible state.
The investigation of the nuclear scientists and others was not done under any pressure from any quarter. This is state policy. Pakistani scientists were found to have been involved in the nuclear scandal because of personal greed and financial gains, which is very unfortunate.
Pakistan should not be made a scapegoat. We are surprised at the lopsided focus on Pakistan. News reports also mention other countries in Asia, Europe and North America and Pakistan should not be singled out. We hope other countries will conduct similar inquiries. There is a nuclear black market and we should all work together to eliminate this dirty business.
In future, Pakistan will ensure there is no such leakage. We have a very strong command and control system and a stringent export control regime. There are total custodial controls and everything is under check and supervision.
Our strategic assets are completely safe and secure. They are under iron-clad organisational, administrative and command and control structures which have been in place since 1999. We accord the highest level of protection to our strategic assets.
The United States has not been "silent" but apparently reserved its comments on this sensitive issue until the investigation was completed. It has "commended" the Government of Pakistan's actions and expressed satisfaction over the manner of these investigations. The US has welcomed Pakistan's efforts to counter proliferation and our commitment to continue to do so. The pardon given to Dr A.Q. Khan is conditional and the investigation is ongoing.
Pakistan has vowed to put a stop to the covert export of nuclear weapon know-how. Pakistan will cooperate with the IAEA in an investigation of the selling of nuclear expertise. There is an international black market for all kinds of technology, the focus should be on eliminating such shady networks.
The above will give a true and clearer perspective of the whole issue. We should be guided by facts, not by speculation and misleading allegations which would be a disservice to your readers. - Yours, etc.,
RIFAT IQBAL, Ambassador of Pakistan, Dublin 4.