Prime Minister approves the Establishment of Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) in the Ministry of Foreign Affaris

In pursuance of Export Control Act on Goods, Technologies, Materials and Equipment of 2004, the Prime Minister has approved the setting up of a national export control authority, and its Oversight Board. The export control authority will be named, Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) and will be established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Oversight Board has already been constituted and it will also oversee the setting up of SECDIV.

The SECDIV, will formulate and enforce rules and regulations for the implementation of export controls in accordance with the Export Control Act 2004 and also act as a licensing body. In October 2005, Pakistan notified a Control List of goods, technologies, materials and equipment which incorporate the internationally accepted standard lists of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG) dealing with biological agents and toxins, and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Export of items on the Control List from Pakistan will only be possible after approval by the SECDIV.

The SECDIV will be manned by representatives of the concerned Ministries and organisations responsible for the implementation and enforcement of export controls, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Strategic Plans Division (SPD), Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenues and others, as required.

The adoption of Export Control Act, notification of national Control List and the establishment of SECDIV are a continuing manifestation of Pakistan 's strong commitment to non-proliferation and its determination to fulfill its national and international export control commitments.

Islamabad