World Notes PAKISTAN

Maraging 350 steel is a special steel alloy used in the enrichment of weapons- grade uranium. After a 20-month undercover investigation, federal officials in Philadelphia arrested Arshad Pervez, a Canadian of Pakistani origin, on charges of attempting to export the alloy. The apparent destination was Pakistan, which has repeatedly denied charges that its nuclear facility at Kahuta is intended to produce weapons. Democrat Stephen Solarz of New York, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, criticized the Pakistani government of President Mohammed Zia ul-Haq for showing "blatant disregard" for U.S. antiproliferation laws.

Solarz will hold committee hearings this week to force the Administration to take formal action against Islamabad. A six-year, $4 billion aid package for Pakistan is up for a vote in Congress this fall.