Pakistan is committed to the objective of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation but the process must be non-discriminatory.

Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary, talking to newsmen at the weekly press briefing here on Thursday, said Pakistan firmly believed in nuclear disarmament, adding the issue should be taken up in conference on disarmament in Geneva in a comprehensive manner.
He said talks should be held on all the four elements of nuclear disarmament - non-proliferation‚ arms race in outer space and negative security assurances.

Replying to a question‚ the spokesman said Pakistan and China had normal cooperation in civil nuclear matters. He also pointed out that the civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries was in full compliance with the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and no country should have objection to it.

To another question, he said Pakistan and India were engaged in different ways and through various channels and composite dialogue was the centre piece of that process.He said foreign ministry was in contact with interior ministry and Punjab government in connection with autopsy report of an Indian prisoner who died in Lahore. The report‚ when received‚ would be shared with Indian High Commission and made public, he said.

He‚ however‚ pointed out that according to a media story based on autopsy report‚ he died of massive heart attack.He said no dates had yet been announced for the next round of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue.About current status of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations‚ the spokesman said, “Pakistan maintains a positive approach towards Afghanistan. Islamabad is engaged with Kabul at all required levels. Pakistan government remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

Asked about the role that SCO could play in promoting peace in Afghanistan‚ he said SCO was a regional organisation and Pakistan supported any role that it could play for the purpose as there had been demands for regional solutions to regional problems.

Replying to another question‚ the spokesman said so far requests from European Union and National Democratic Institute had been received for monitoring of elections. Advance and core teams of EU observer mission were already in Pakistan while NDI wanted to send 57 observers for the purpose.

Regarding appointments made by Hina Rabbnai Khar in the FO in complete disregard to rules, the spokesman said, “We are gathering information in this regard and media will be apprised of any developments.”