Much has been said about the recent peace initiatives between the Indian and Pakistani governments. However, a recent report in Pakistan’s Daily Star contends that — while peace efforts may be moving forward — Pakistan is still attempting to upgrade and expand its nuclear arsenal through covert purchases made overseas. Considering Pakistan’s persistent refusal to aid Western investigators in tracking down all vestiges of the A.Q. Khan proliferation network, such news should be regarded with some alarm: (thanks to Nicolei)
Pakistan High Commission in London is on a British intelligence list of 360 companies, universities and government organisations seeking to procure nuclear and other weapons related technology.
According to a British newspaper, the British intelligence agency MI5 has prepared a report outlining the activities of 360 organisations, which seek nuclear weapons. The length of the list suggests that the arms trade supermarket is bigger than earlier anticipated. MI5 warns against exports to organisations in Iran, Pakistan, India, Israel, Syria and Egypt and warns against companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), suspected to be fronts for these organisations.
The involvement of the Pakistani government however, sets the High Commission apart from the other organizations cited:
The 17-page document identifies 95 Pakistani organisations and government bodies, including Pakistan High Commission in London, as having assisted in the country”s nuclear programme. The list was compiled two years ago shortly after the security service mounted a surveillance operation at the Pakistani high commission, which is the only diplomatic institution on the list. Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner, said: “It is absolute rubbish and we take strong exception to these allegations.”