Pakistan

“Nuclear weapons must be banned and eliminated just as chemical and biological weapons have been prohibited.”

M. Siddique Khan Kanju Minister for Foreign Affairs Pakistan July 1998

 

Pakistan is believed to have been developing a nuclear capability since the early 1970s. In May 1998, Pakistan responded to India’s nuclear tests by testing a series of nuclear weapons and declaring itself a nuclear weapon power.  Pakistan’s quest for a nuclear deterrent has been motivated principally by fears of domination by India. The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has further fueled this fear, and provided an unstable environment which makes the deployment of nuclear weapons in the region extremely dangerous.

 

Pakistan, like India, has supported comprehensive disarmament proposals at the United Nations and Conference on Disarmament, but did not join the CTBT for similar reasons as India. Pakistan has proposed a number of bilateral or regional initiatives which India has not supported. These include a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in South Asia and joining the NPT. India opposes these on the grounds that they do not address the nuclear threat India faces from China and the other NWS.  Pakistan and India have concluded a number of bilateral confidence building measures including a hot-line agreement and an agreement not to attack each other’s nuclear power facilities.

  See: Pakistan's Nuclear Descent, Zia Mian

- Avert a War: Statement by Indian Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace

- A limited war may not stay limited for long

PNND Briefing Book online- Nuclear Doctrine, Pakistan

For Information on specific topic areas click here.