Threat Of Dirty Bomb Has Global Dimensions: PM Gilani

WASHINGTON: Terming the threat of terrorist acts involving 'dirty bombs' more real and having global dimensions, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday called for additional measures by the world to combat this threat.

"The threat of terrorist acts involving dirty bombs is more real and it has global dimensions. We should take additional measures to combat this threat", Gilani said in his intervention at the dinner session of Nuclear Security Summit hosted by President Barack Obama here.

Prime Minister Gilani, who was one of the eight leaders invited by President Obama to speak at the dinner, assured that the democratic government in Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring nuclear security.

"So far, reported incidents of illicit trafficking of direct use of nuclear material have been low. But there is no room for complacency here. We need strong national actions and greater international coordination to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear materials", he emphasized.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan, as a nuclear weapon state, attaches highest importance to the security of nuclear materials and facilities and for this purpose it has put in place multi-layered mechanisms and processes.

"We have done so, first and foremost, in our own national interest and to protect our strategic assets", he added.

Gilani said nuclear security within a state is a national responsibility, adding, international cooperation is important to promote a responsive and resilient nuclear security culture.? "Success would ultimately depend on national actions", he added.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has a robust nuclear security regime with four prongs of strategy.

"Our nuclear security system is managed and supported by a three-tier command and control system, a regulatory regime covering nuclear security, and comprehensive export controls".

He said the present democratic government passed the National Command Authority Ordinance as an Act of Parliament and has also constituted a Parliamentary Committee on National Security that closely watches policies and their implementation.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan's Nuclear Security Action Plan (NSAP) is being implemented in cooperation with the IAEA. "We are constantly refining and updating our systems", he added.

Gilani said Pakistan is cooperating with the international legal regimes, arrangements, and initiatives and has been reporting regularly to the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee. "We are implementing provisions of the relevant Conventions and IAEA Code of Conduct", he added.