Pak hopes to become NSG member

Pakistan hopes to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in the next few years as it has built up a critical base of technology, manpower and expertise in the nuclear sector, a study by the country's Planning Commission has said.

According to the study, Pakistan has attained the ability to design and build small reactors and now plans to expand its existing base and initiate research in fast breeder reactors.

However, the study is silent on the issue of Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, which is yet to be signed by Pakistan. The NSG comprises of NPT signatory countries, Daily Times reported.

The group governs the area of nuclear exports and facilitates development of peaceful nuclear trade by providing means whereby obligations to facilitate peaceful nuclear cooperation can be implemented in a manner consistent with international nuclear non-proliferation norms.

Pakistan's current installed electricity generation capacity is 19,400 MW, 50.8 per cent of which is gas based, 30 per cent hydroelectric, 15.8 per cent oil, 3.3 per cent nuclear and 0.2 per cent coal-based.

Pakistan plans to generate 8,800 mw from nuclear sources by 2030, the study says, adding the government has already formulated an energy security plan in this regard.

The study says 1,600 tonnes of natural uranium will be needed to produce 8,000 mw of nuclear power. Exploration and mining of uranium in Pakistan will be intensified to meet the projected requirements as far as possible, it said.