ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: Pakistan has sought the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its quest for being treated on a par with India by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which controls developing countries’ access to nuclear technology.

Informed sources told Dawn on Saturday that IAEA was aware of Pakistan’s needs for nuclear technology to meet its growing demand for energy. IAEA believes that Pakistan’s requirements of nuclear technology should be met to help it generate more electricity and eliminate widespread salinity and water-logging.

While Pakistan has taken up the issue of acquiring from the United States nuclear energy for peaceful purpose, it is also asking IAEA to use its influence with the Bush administration as well as other members of the NSG to get a fair treatment.

Pakistan, nevertheless, has been informed that India is still struggling to have formal clearance of the US Congress despite entering into an agreement with the US for getting nuclear energy for civilian use.

Sources said it would take considerable time to complete legislative proceedings in US Congress, creating chances for Pakistan to muster more support through IAEA in its efforts to seek nuclear energy from the Bush administration.

Besides, Pakistan has been suggested to ensure that nuclear exports are carried out with appropriate safeguards, physical protection and non-proliferation conditions. The NSG seeks to restrict the export of items that can contribute to proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Pakistan has informed the IAEA that it has launched a Rs178 million programme to reclaim 25,000 acres of waterlogged and saline land across the country. “But this programme needs nuclear technology from the United States and other members of NSG,” said a source, adding that the country would also be needing 8,800MW of electricity by 2030.

The IAEA commended the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission for growing salt-tolerant crops which were giving high yields. Pakistan has also been providing the technology to a number of countries through IAEA.

The sources said that the US and other Western countries should treat Pakistan on a par with India to ensure equilibrium in the region.

Pakistan, the sources said, was told by the IAEA officials that several US think tanks and nuclear-related bodies believed that Washington should treat India and Pakistan on an equal footing in helping them meet their energy needs.

The IAEA officials agreed that now when the US had decided to help India to produce 40,000MW of nuclear energy by 2040, it should also support Pakistan’s longer term Energy Security Plan for producing 8,800MW of energy.