No compromise on nuclear programme: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, terming the imposition of US sanctions on the National Defence Complex (NDC) and other entities as unjustified, on Tuesday maintained that there would be no compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

Addressing the federal cabinet, the prime minister maintained that there was no justification for imposition of sanctions on the NDC and other entities as Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any country.

He said that Pakistan has no intentions for aggressive use of the nuclear programme rather it is deterrence, and meant for defence of the country and nothing else. “This is only for defence of the country if God forbids there is any aggression against Pakistan,” he said.

He also made it clear that not only he himself and the federal cabinet owns the nuclear programme but it also belongs to 240 million people of the country which is dearer to them and close to their heart. “The whole nation is focused and united on country’s nuclear programme,” the prime minister reiterated.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office stated in very clear terms that it is fully committed to fulfilling all its international human rights obligations and explained that the recent military court verdicts have been made under a law enacted by the Parliament of Pakistan and in line with the judgement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The Foreign Office was reacting to comments from the European Union, United Kingdom and the United States who in their reactions had criticised the military courts trials and verdicts, as ones which lacked transparency and were inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“Pakistan’s legal system is consistent with international human rights law including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It has remedies of judicial review by the superior courts and guarantees promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” explained the Foreign Office.

Last Saturday the DG ISPR had announced the sentencing of 25 civilians by military courts to periods of two to 10 years of “rigorous imprisonment” in connection with attacks on military facilities on May 9, 2023. It had called the verdicts a milestone in dispensation of justice to the nation.

The reaction of the Foreign Office was mainly directed at the European Union which under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), offers “special trade incentives and grants Pakistan zero-rated or preferential tariffs on nearly 665 of tariffs lines, enhancing the country’s ability to export to EU markets”.

Reaching out to the EU, the Foreign Office said that Pakistan believes in constructive and productive dialogue to promote principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“We remain fully committed to implementing our commitments under the GSP Plus Scheme and core international human rights conventions,” it added.

The EU in reaction to the military trials and verdicts of civilians had reminded Pakistan that said “in line with Article 14 of ICCPR every person is entitled to a fair and public trial in a court that is independent, impartial and competent, and has the right to adequate and effective legal representation”.

It reminded Pakistan that the EU’s GSP+ beneficiary countries, including Pakistan, have voluntarily agreed to implement effectively 27 international core conventions - including the ICCPR - in order to continue benefiting from GSP+ status.

The Foreign Office also stated that it was reaching out to its other international partners including the EU and assured to uphold the international human rights law, without any discrimination and double standards.