Pakistan, US to continue talks on civil nuke tech: Minister

Islamabad: Pakistan and the US have agreed in principle to continue dialogue on cooperation in civil nuclear technology though no timeline can be given for any agreement on the issue, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday.

Dar made the remarks while addressing a news conference with Overseas Private Investment Corporation president Elizabeth Littlefield. Dar, a close aide of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, did not give details. Pakistan has been pressing the US to conclude a deal for civil nuclear technology similar to the one finalised with India, but Washington has been reluctant to move forward on the issue due to concerns linked to the proliferation ring run by Pakistani scientist A Q Khan. Littlefield is heading a US delegation that has held talks with Pakistan`s economic and energy managers led by Dar. The two sides discussed various issues related to investment in different sectors of the Pakistani economy, particularly energy. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, with special focus on developing bio-gas and wind energy to help Pakistan overcome a crippling power crisis. Dar said the talks with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation were the part of the government`s efforts to bring foreign investment to Pakistan and help boost economic growth. Describing terrorism as one of the challenges facing Pakistan, Dar said the government is committed to framing a comprehensive strategy to overcome the problem. Littlefield said the investment through OPIC into Pakistan has increased from 80 million dollars to 300 million dollars. PTI