Asked why Pakistan abstained instead of voting against the resolution, Pakistan's foreign office spokesman Naeem Khan told reporters in Islamabad, "Pakistan's position is very clear, we are opposed to the referral to the UNSC."

Iran dominates IAEA conference

He said Pakistan would like the issue to be resolved within the IAEA framework. "We do not want any instability and use of force in our neighbourhood," he said. Pakistan was among the 12 members who abstained from the voting on the resolution tabled by the European Union.

Pakistan's Islamic alliance condemned the decision by the referral of Iran's nuclear programme to the UN Security Council.

"We are disappointed at the IAEA decision to refer Iran nuclear case to Security Council in November 2005," deputy chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Khurshid Ahmad said.

"It is clear that America pressurised IAEA to take this step against Iran in violation of internationally established rights to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes," Khurshid told reporters in Islamabad.

Referring to Pakistan's stand on the issue, Khurshid said, "Pakistan should have voted against this resolution as was done by Venezuela, but it is "half consolation" that Pakistan abstained in this crucial voting."

He said that what is being done in respect of Iran was not only a threat to that country but also a serious warning to Pakistan. "The defence of Pakistan's nuclear assets lies in opposing any American intervention in Iran," he said.

Calling for Pakistan to have a pro-active policy and not "a meek reactive stand" on this issue, he said a threat to Iran is a threat to Pakistan as it endangers the right of all countries of the region to develop nuclear technology for the protection of their vital interests and civil use. He urged that OIC must take a firm stand on this issue.