- Pakistan's nuclear program, culminating in its emergence as the seventh nuclear power in 1998, showcases the remarkable achievements of its scientists, particularly Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, despite limited technological assistance and international pressure.
- While some argue that Pakistan should prioritize economic and human development over an arms race, the country's nuclear arsenal is seen as essential for national security, especially given its historical conflicts with India.
- The experiences of Ukraine, Libya, and Iran highlight the risks of abandoning nuclear programs, reinforcing the importance of Pakistan's decision to maintain its nuclear capabilities for deterrence and sovereignty.
Pakistan has celebrated its 26th Youm-e-Takbir on 28th May, with the determination, Pakistan had become invincible after its emergence as seventh nuclear power of the world in 1998. The journey of Pakistan nuclear program embarks a sense of surprise and curiosity for the global actors that how a technological and economically backward state had achieved such a sophisticated weapon and also deemed a threat for international peace and security considering its security constrains, respectively. Sans any doubt the credit goes to the scientists, particularly Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, and the governments’ authorities of that time, who had not compromised on the signifance of nuclear deterrence and ultimately, carried out such a herculean task, despite limited technological assistance and also letting down the pressures and bribes proposed by the international community.
Because of the political polarization and the over- extended roles of non- democratic forces in political affairs, a vibrant voice is echoing in the contemporary society, claiming, states like Pakistan have to focus on their economy and human development, rather dwelling into the armed race. Such narratives are lucid in ideal cases where the state exists in a peaceful world; however for Pakistan advance security system, equipped with nuclear arsenals seems inevitable, as its arch rival-India not only dole out its economy on defence and eagers for advance nuclear system, but has also launched four major wars and multiple skirmishes.
In such a complex security situation Pakistan has achieved maximum deterrence by developing its nukes, giving her absolute protection from her enemies, particularly India and Israel: without nuclear heads Pakistan has to bandwagon in front of mighty India and the other western powers.
These are not mere speculations, as various states had vehemently suffered, owing to the rolling back of their atomic programs. Ukraine, in 1994, as a peace gesture surrendered her nuclear stock piles- the third largest in the world at that time, which she had received from the former The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Most of the stalwarts of international relations, for instance, John Mearsheimer believe, the decision of nuclear disbarment of Ukraine was not a wise decision: since that Russia had attempted multiple attacks by sabotaging its sovereignty, and the prevailing Ukraine-Russia war is one of them. Libya abandoned its nuclear program, trusting on the western powers, had later transformed into wreckage by the bombardment of the western forces, who had once pledged its security.
Currently, Iran is at the cross- road: either she has to sign a nuclear deal with international community or pursue her nuclear aspirations without considering the foreign apprehensions. The suspicious roles of global powers, particularly the west in killing of key Iranian personalities, including nuclear scientists and the top military officials like General Soleimani, and the historical experiences of the aforementioned states, Iranian policy makers should have to make their decisions wisely as Pakistan did in 1998: focusing on its security, which is ultimate, rather giving too much considerations on economic and diplomatic aspects of the state.
