Pakistan, China in nuclear fuel deal

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Pakistan will seek nuclear fuel assistance from China in a bid to build 10 new nuclear power plants over the next 22 years, sources say.

Without naming sources, the Press Trust of Pakistan reported Wednesday that Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has approved construction of two nuclear power plants at an existing complex in Punjab with Chinese assistance. It said the move appears aimed at counterbalancing a nuclear fuel deal negotiated this year between India and Western suppliers.

The decision was made at a Sept. 19 Islamabad meeting attended by top Pakistani officials, including representatives of the military and the Strategic Plans Division, which controls Pakistan's nuclear weapons arsenal, the news agency reported.

The two new power plants reportedly will be located at the Chashma complex, about 125 miles southwest of Islamabad. The facility already has two atomic power plants -- one that is functional and another under construction.