Pakistan asks NSG for deal

NEW DELHI, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Pakistan has approached the Nuclear Suppliers Group seeking a deal similar to the one between the United States and India to produce nuclear power.

"Pakistan has urged the NSG, not to single it out by providing nuclear energy to India," the Indian Express newspaper said Wednesday.

According to a report the NSG was apparently approached after Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission chairman Pervez Butt requested President Musharraf to formally seek a nuclear deal from the west to meet the country's projected 8,800 MW electricity needs over the next 25 years.

"Denying Pakistan a nuclear package like that of India is a clear discrimination against a friend," said Pakistan's leading newspaper The Dawn quoting senior officials.

Pakistan President Musharraf had warned the western world that there would be no stability in the region if India continued to be favored and Pakistan ignored, despite its being a strong ally of the international community against terrorism.

The report said Pakistan wants 13 nuclear power plants against India's request for six, and has given the details of its requirements to the U.S. and other western countries.

"The government has told the U.S. and the western nations that Pakistan deserves a nuclear deal because it is a mature nuclear operator, having 33 years experience of safety, " said a Pakistani official.