Gilani denies Pakistan's link to North Korea nuke program

Islamabad, Mar 25 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has said allegations that his country cooperated with North Korea's nuclear program were unfounded and represented a thing of the past.

Gilani said the matter has been investigated with Pakistan officially denying any involvement in Pyongyang's weapons program.

"There had been some disinformation and allegations during the past, but now it is a closed chapter that we have already denied," The Nation quoted Gilani, as saying.

The comments come as South Korea prepares to host the second Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) on Monday and Tuesday.

Pakistan's envoy to China Masood Khan had earlier said that Gilani was committed to enhancing the nation's nuclear security, the country's envoy to China.

Khan further revealed that Gilani would be present at Monday's Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Seoul, South Korea.

This is the second time Gilani will be representing Pakistan at this forum. The first NSS meeting was held in Washington in 2010.

"Prime Minister Gilani's personal attendance illustrates continuity in Pakistan's commitment with the NSS process, Pakistan's commitments to enhance nuclear security in our country, and our support to the international community to work for a common cause", Khan said.

Khan, who is also chief negotiator on Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), said Pakistan had successfully carried out stress tests on its civil nuclear power plants immediately after the Fukushima reactor incident.

Pakistan has a long experience of using civil nuclear technology for generating electricity, Masood Khan said, adding: "For the last 37 years we have successfully operated civil nuclear power plants. In 2000, we established a strong National Command Authority to keep close watch on all dimensions of nuclear safety and security."

Khan said Pakistan has a sterling record with regards to nuclear security and safety and has been regularly submitting its report to the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee. (ANI)