UNITED NATIONS, Nov 12: Pakistan on Monday criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) double standards by denying access to the latest nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to developing countries.

Drawing attention of the world community to the disparities in the application of the IAEA principles, especially with regard to the developing countries, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, addressing the UN General Assembly convened to discuss the agency’s report said: “Undue restrictions on the transfer of nuclear technology for energy, health and agriculture purposes is bound to affect the economic and social development of the developing countries.”

Mr Akram said that the crucial relationship between peace, economic growth and technology could not be overemphasized. He observed that the “economic growth is synonymous with the availability of easy and affordable sources of energy.”

Referring to the report of the Director-General of IAEA on the “Nuclear Security — Progress of Measures to Protect against Nuclear Terrorism” Akram said: “We have taken careful note of the recommendations concerning nuclear materials falling into the hands of terrorists”.

Stressing that while precautionary measures should be taken by the states which possess nuclear materials, facilities and technology, the IAEA should also address real concerns regarding so-called “Nuclear Terrorism.”

“It should not be used to serve partisan political objectives. The global focus should not be allowed to be shifted from the priority goal of complete nuclear disarmament by all states,” Mr Akram added.

He said: “Pakistan’s limited hydro fossil fuel resources are insufficient to cater for an ever-increasing demand for energy therefore, nuclear power generation is an indispensable element of our national energy strategy.

Mr Akram said that Pakistan wants to build safeguarded nuclear power plants and seeks the cooperation and assistance of the member states of the IAEA, and had embarked upon the second phase of the projects for the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant and the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.

“We believe that the construction and operation of a Nuclear Power Plant not only has direct economic advantages but creates thousands of job opportunities”, he added.

He said being a founding member of the IAEA, Pakistan has always upheld the goals and objectives of the Agency. The IAEA’s role in the process of economic development through the enhanced contribution of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is universally acknowledged.

While observing that “technology, safety and verification remain the three pillars of the IAEA’s mandate and that it should discharge those responsibilities fully, Mr Akram however, said that the IAEA must not lose the balance which is required between the various facets of its mandate and functions.

He said that it was unfortunate that one found disparities in the application of the IAEA standards and principles, with regard to the developing countries.

“Despite their adherence to safety norms, they are denied access to the latest technologies relating to nuclear energy. Undue restrictions on the transfer of nuclear technology for energy, health and agriculture purposes is bound to affect the economic and social development of the developing countries’, he added.