Sunday, March 19 2006 11:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Days after introduction of a bill in American Congress seeking its approval for implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal, Pakistan has said there should be a package for both neighbours and not country-specific pacts on a subject as critical as nuclear technology, in the interest of balance of power in South Asia.

"We do understand and appreciate the under-pinnings of the US' de-hyphenated policy in South Asia, but this should not be leaning so heavily on one side," Pakistani Ambassador to Washington Jehangir Karamat said in a statement, reacting to the bill which was introduced in the US Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday.

President Pervez Musharraf has said,"Our security policy is no longer India-centric. He has also emphasized minimum deterrence as a pillar of our policy, and has said,that we do not want an arms race with India," Karamat maintained.

"Earlier, we had tabled 'Reciprocal Restraint' as a concept which could be bilaterally discussed. We hope, US policy will take these aspects into consideration. It is also our hope that US policy will not be based on transitory and evolving trends, but rather, on relationships that are maturing in these fluid situations," he said.

"Pakistan, is of course, committed to democracy but, its policies are supporting the development of the political,social and economic institutions. The military will take itsrightful place, once this process is complete; because right now, it is the major driver for institutional development,"Karamat said in the statement issued to Pakistani journalists.

"We cannot have internal chaos, and we need US policy to help and support us in this process. This is not the time for an imbalance in the region," he said.