The US Should Have a Civil Nuclear Agreement with Pakistan Also

The other day, in an international seminar on nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and arms control, experts from the U.S. and Britain read a charge sheet against Pakistan with respect to its nuclear program. At the seminar, the former U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs said that the U.S. can have a civil nuclear agreement with Pakistan, but that Pakistan will need to fulfill certain conditions first.

Pakistan is an ally of the U.S. We offered a heavy sacrifice of lives in America’s war, including the lives of over 5,000 officers and soldiers of the security forces; despite this, the U.S. has ignored Pakistan and forged a civil nuclear agreement with India. As far as conditions are concerned, Pakistan fulfills all the requirements. Pakistan is not transferring nuclear technology to any other country, nor does it use militants as a shield to accomplish its objectives.

Pakistan is currently facing an energy crisis. There is collaboration between Pakistan and China in the area of civil nuclear technology. The U.S., also, should have an agreement with Pakistan on civil nuclear technology to enable Pakistan to satisfy its needs. Pakistan will use the nuclear technology provided by the U.S. for civilian purposes. Hence, keeping its conditions in mind, the U.S. should make an agreement with Pakistan also.