Pakistan's High Commissioner in London insists her government is committed not to transfer nuclear technology to other countries, claiming that action will be taken against any individuals in her country who breach this commitment.

But Dr Maleeha Lodhi has also refused to respond to speculation that scientists or military officers caught selling nuclear components to foreign countries could be extradited to the United States for further questioning.

On the day that Pakistani government interrogators in Islamabad questioned army officers and key scientists about their role in selling nuclear technology to Iran, Dr Lodhi declared, "We take our role as a nuclear weapons power very seriously."

Back in Islamabad intelligence experts are continuing with their debriefing of former chief of army staff General Aslam Beg and the founding father of the nuclear weapons programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, about passing their country's nuclear secrets to Tehran.

Addressing the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London Lodhi said, "We are committed not to transfer nuclear technology. Certain facts have been brought to our attention and, as a result, there is an ongoing investigation.

"As a country that is committed to non proliferation, we will take action against any individuals involved. The law will take its course, but let us not prejudge that anyone is guilty. Once the inquiry is concluded, we will decide what to do."

Lodhi's comments follow reports of widespread dissatisfaction with Dr Khan among members of the Pakistani scientific community who resent the India-born nuclear expert hogging the limelight and making money at their expense.

Asked by rediff.com if Khan and Beg could be extradited for further questioning, Lodhi responded, "I see where you're coming from, I have nothing further to add."

Earlier, referring to the renewed diplomatic dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, the Pakistani envoy said, "The time has come for action, lest this historical opportunity becomes another lost one."

"This is a moment of hope and opportunity, but at the same time we must find a mechanism and process that will address the dispute over Kashmir," she said.

Elaborating her country's nuclear doctrine, Lodhi said both India and Pakistan should agree not to deploy ballistic missiles, agree to a regional test ban treaty and also agree not to induct ABM (anti ballistic missile) systems.

"We feel that induction of ABM systems would disturb the strategic equilibrium and lead to dangerous ramifications," Lodhi said.

Lodhi also declared herself a devoted supporter of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

Although she was brought into diplomatic life by Pakistan's elected prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, who appointed her ambassador to Washington DC, Lodhi has since shifted her personal political ground by throwing in her lot with the military.

Justifying the last military coup in Pakistan, Lodhi told her London audience: "Military intervention in politics is always an extraordinary affair. President Musharraf has kept the commitments made to the people."

"He did not curb the press, he did not impose martial law," she said.

A former journalist herself before she was appointed to the diplomatic service, Lodhi concluded, "Show me any press in any part of the Muslim world that is more open and robust."