We won't obstruct Indo-US N-deal: Pakistan

Pakistan on Friday said it has serious reservations about the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, but will not obstruct the implementation of the agreement.

"Pakistan is of the view that we do not want to be obstructionist or negative (with regard to the Indo-US nuclear deal)," Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told the National Assembly or lower house of  Parliament today.

Speaking during the question hour, Qureshi said the deal must not be discriminatory against Pakistan, which should also be given access to nuclear technology for generating power.

Pakistan has the full right to use nuclear technology to meet its growing energy needs, he said.

He pointed out that the matter is still with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, whose meeting to decide on granting a nuclear waiver to India ended inconclusively.

Qureshi said various "queries" about the deal will be taken up at the forum of the 45-nation nuclear cartel.

Pakistan, which expressed reservations over the agreement ahead of the nuclear watchdog IAEA's meeting on August one, did not press for a vote at the Board meeting. The IAEA Board passed the India-specific safeguards agreement with consensus.

Replying to other queries from parliamentarians, Qureshi said Pakistan is committed to the composite dialogue with India. He refuted reports that Pakistan had changed its Kashmir policy.

The government is "cognisant of the interests of Pakistan" and its foreign policy was aimed at addressing "all core issues", including the Kashmir dispute.