Twenty-Five Years of Nuclear Tests: Pakistan a Responsible Nuclear State

In May 1998, India repeated nuclear testing in Pokhran where Pakistan conducted its first nuclear tests on May 28, 1998 in response to similar steps taken by India. Five same underground nuclear tests were conducted at Ras Koh Hills in Chagai district of Balochistan province. Chagai-I, it was Pakistan’s first public test of nuclear weapons. Chagai-II followed two days later. The tests confirmed the country’s nuclear status and resulted in the adoption of programs aimed at improving national security. 

India has been accused of misusing its nuclear capabilities by conducting a series of nuclear tests which has strained its diplomatic relations with other countries and caused alarm around the world. Additionally there have been reports of increased uranium thefts in India, raising the possibility that the country may be trying to increase its nuclear weapons production capacity. The theft of nuclear material over the last two decades in India posed a serious threat of nuclear terrorism. These uranium thefts demonstrate a lack of oversight and security and have the potential to cause havoc if these materials are misused. This could potentially destabilize the region and even the world.

Although Pakistan gained its nuclear power within seven years way before its official announcement which is a major accomplishment. Pakistan has mostly used its nuclear technology for the peaceful development of the country and socio-economic development, Pakistan is truly following the Atoms for peace concept introduced by US President Eisenhower during a speech at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1953 which aimed for the importance of nuclear energy utilization in different areas like generating power plants, Medicines and agriculture.  

Pakistan has utilized its nuclear power for the peace purposes. such as in the field of nuclear energy. The country has several nuclear power plants scattered around its different cities which generate safe and economic electricity. The low cost electricity being generated from the nuclear plants is an easy option for Pakistan to reduce the energy crisis created due to its rapidly growing population and eliminate load shedding. Furthermore, it also contributes to the country’s goals of achieving environmental sustainability by reducing its reliance on burning fossil fuels. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are known for being harmful for the environment due to the radiation they produce. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and other environmental issues. Pakistan is one of the countries that has taken steps to reduce its reliance on harmful fossil fuels. Pakistan has implemented numerous policies aimed at advancing its renewable energy industry and curtailing its dependence on fossil fuels. 

Also Pakistan is also actively involved in many programs such as the Building and Physical Mechanism to create an entirely nuclear powered economy of the country. which helps to reduce the reliance on imported electricity and ensures the country’s survival in difficult times. Right now Pakistan has six operating nuclear power plants. In addition Pakistan is also actively pursuing nuclear medicine which is being used for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases. These medicines are saving many lives. Also Pakistan is pursuing the use of nuclear power for Agricultural purposes, as the technology has the power to improve crop yields. Areas of focus include the utilization of marginal lands, improved plant nutrition and water management, reduced losses to pests and pathogens, and improved export potential. Nuclear technology can increase water availability in arid regions of the country, allowing for extensive cultivation, while the use of radiation can also improve crop quality, maximizing export value. Furthermore, higher yields through the use of radiation can help alleviate food insecurity in the country.

In past twenty five years Pakistan has only used its nuclear technology for the peaceful uses and adopted the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), a military-run organization with the objective of overseeing and coordinating the production and delivery of nuclear weapons, and worked to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which provides countries with the necessary means to start and maintain a nuclear weapons program. 

After Pakistan and India did nuclear tests in 1998, the US put heavy economic and military restrictions on them both. India’s five underground tests seem unlikely to provide them with enough data to make weapons, but some suggest they already have sufficient data to stop testing. And Pakistan has conducted tests for nuclear weapons which are based on a design they obtained from China several years ago. These tests appear to be meant to demonstrate that they possess the ability to build and use nuclear weapons.

Pakistan has established itself as a responsible nuclear state over the past 25 years, consistently employing its nuclear power only for development and peace initiatives. The United States should recognize and respect this achievement, showing their support for Pakistan’s role in the international community.

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.