ISLAMABAD, July 2: Pakistan has not sought international assistance for the flood relief efforts but the country has been approached by a number of countries and the UN regarding the kind of assistance that the government required.
Speaking at the weekly news briefing on Monday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said: “At the request of UN agencies and certain countries a briefing was given today to the heads of the missions here. They have requested us to indicate the kind of medicines we require or any other assistance.”
The UN, Ms Aslam said had also inquired if Pakistan required helicopters and other countries had offered medicines and relief goods.
She said the offers were being considered and a final decision would be taken at meeting after which urgent requirements, if needed, would be indicated.
Her response was an emphatic “no” when asked if in the recent months the IAEA or the US had approached Pakistan for direct access to Dr Qadeer Khan for questioning.
Replying to a question regarding US assistance to Pakistan in the field of nuclear safeguards, Ms Aslam said there were certain IAEA provisions under which such cooperation took place with the US and other countries.
However, she made it clear that if Pakistan was offered any cooperation in the area it would have to be non-intrusive and not involve Pakistan’s nuclear weapons facilities.
On reports of death threats to Pakistanis in Glasgow, Ms Aslam said: “We are sure that the British government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and people who are residents there.”
Responding to another question the spokesperson said India had not informed Pakistan about its plan to build more dams on Chenab river.
