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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment never to indulge in nuclear proliferation and vowed legal action against individuals 'if found involved in transfer of sensitive information to other countries'.

Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan while responding to questions at a weekly briefing said that 'the Government of Pakistan has never proliferated and it will never proliferate.'

He underlined Pakistan's commitment as a responsible nuclear state saying, 'we understand our obligations and will fulfill our international commitments'.

Nukes Tech Transfer: 'Out of Question!'

The Spokesman categorically stated that the government has not authorized or initiated any transfer of sensitive nuclear technology or information to others. "It is out of question."

He referred to the country's very strong Command and Control system and the stringent export control regime and said that there should be no doubt about it.

President's Assurance

'President General Pervez Musharraf has given 400% assurance and commitment that no violation or infraction of Pakistan's commitment will ever take place,' he added.

IAEA

The Spokesman said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has approached Pakistan and Iran has also provided some information.

He said information shared with Pakistan point to certain individuals that led to debriefing of some scientists that is being ongoing for the last five to six weeks.

In-house Process

The Spokesman, however, made it clear that it was purely and in-house process and no foreigners or foreign agency was involved or associated with these investigations.

'Pakistan is a responsible country and has taken pro-active approach and we want to get to the bottom of the matter,' he added.

'No one above the law'

Masood Khan firmly stated that action would be taken if any individual was found in transfer of sensitive information. 'No one is above the law.'

Replying to a question, he said there were indications that certain individuals might have been motivatated by personal ambitions or greed but added that no final determination has been made.

'Lets not jump to conclusions...lets not draw hasty or premature conclusions,' the Spokesman added. He said the government and the state institutions and entities would distance themselves from any individual if found involved.

He said said action, if warranted, would be taken against such individuals under the country's own laws. 'No one can jeopardize vital security interests of Pakistan.'

No Entity Involved

Masood further added that 'no government institutions or entity has ever been involved in any transfer and this distinction has to be understood.'

The spokesman said, when asked, that a very small number of scientists were involved in the ongoing debriefing.

AQ Khan

The Spokesman, while answering a question, confirmed that questions have been asked from Dr. A.Q. Khan with regard to the on-going debriefing session. He also rejected any threat to the country's nuclear programme.

No Imports or Transfer to Any-one

Khan said that Pakistan’s command and control system is highly effective and Pakistan has never imported any nuclear technology, nor has it allowed its transfer to other hands across the globe.

CTBT

The spokesman Masood Ahmed Khan replied in negative when asked if Pakistan was considering signing CTBT.

To a question on the ongoing debriefing, he said that it was being done in accordance with the country's own supreme national interest which cannot be compromised.

Threat by Israel

Replying to a question about the reported threat by Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, he said any such action would be very dangerous.

Iran and IAEA

Masood said that Iran was cooperating with the IAEA and stressed that such issues and matters be resolved peacefully and there was no need to resort to any violent means.

He stressed that there had been no cooperation with any country on the production of weapons of mass destruction. He said the IAEA report also mentioned some other countries from Asia and other regions and similar questions ought to be asked from them as it was the matter of collective responsibility.

Scapegoat

The spokesman stated the assurances given by President Musharraf on the country's commitment to non-proliferation were being taken 'very seriously and have a very high degree of credibility all around the world'.

'We will not allow Pakistan to be made a scapegoat,' he added.

CBMs

The spokesman referred to the confidence building measures (CBMs) initiated by Pakistan to reduce tension in the region.

About the recent remarks by President Musharraf, the spokesman said that he had stated that both Pakistan and India would have to show flexibility, if they wanted to move forward but that it had to be two-way and not unilateral.

He said the President had also stated that the two countries would have to sit across the table and start dialogue, if they wanted to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute.

SAARC Summit

Alluding to the forthcoming SAARC Summit and the participation of Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, he said, it was a historical opportunity and the leaders of the two countries must seize it and move forward.

On reported remarks by the Indian Prime Minister on the oft-repeated allegations of cross-border movement, the spokesman termed it as regrettable.

He said, Pakistan was showing flexibility and hoped that India would respond positively and show reciprocity. 'We expect from India to seek an end to repression and human rights violations in the Indian held Kashmir and create an environment for engagement.'