Chicago – October 09, 2024
The pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program is Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, often referred to as the “father” of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb. Dr. Khan, a metallurgist, played a crucial role in establishing the uranium enrichment process that led to Pakistan’s development of nuclear weapons. He initiated the program in the 1970s after learning advanced nuclear technology in Europe, and he significantly contributed to making Pakistan a nuclear power.
The nuclear program itself was originally conceived and set in motion by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who, in response to India’s nuclear ambitions, declared Pakistan’s need to develop a deterrent. Bhutto famously stated that Pakistanis would “eat grass” if necessary, but would develop a nuclear bomb to ensure their security.
Presidents and leaders who supported and accelerated the nuclear program after Bhutto include:
1. General Zia-ul-Haq – Under his military regime in the 1980s, Pakistan’s nuclear program continued to advance clandestinely. Zia strongly supported the nuclear program as a strategic counterbalance to India.
2. Ghulam Ishaq Khan – As President in the late 1980s and early 1990s, he ensured the continuation of the nuclear program during a period of political instability.
3. Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif – Both Prime Ministers during the 1990s, they supported the program’s development. Sharif, in particular, oversaw Pakistan’s first successful nuclear tests in 1998 (the “Chagai-I” tests), solidifying the country’s status as a nuclear power.
4. Pervez Musharraf – During his tenure (1999-2008), Musharraf maintained the nuclear program, ensuring the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. He formalized the control mechanisms through the National Command Authority to manage the country’s nuclear assets and their safety.
Each of these leaders viewed nuclear capability as critical for Pakistan’s national security, particularly in light of the regional power dynamics with India.
In his memoir In the Line of Fire, Pervez Musharraf addresses Pakistan’s nuclear program with careful attention to its security and development, while dispelling concerns about proliferation. He presents himself as a strong advocate of nuclear deterrence, seeing the program as essential for Pakistan’s defense, particularly in the context of its rivalry with India.
Musharraf emphasizes that Pakistan’s nuclear assets are under strict control and management. He describes a highly secure command and control structure put in place to ensure that these weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. This includes the establishment of the National Command Authority (NCA), which oversees all aspects of the nuclear program, and a robust strategic planning division to manage operational and security aspects.
He categorically denies any possibility of Pakistani scientists transferring nuclear technology to other nations or non-state actors. This claim was made in the wake of the notorious A.Q. Khan network scandal, which involved the proliferation of nuclear technology to countries like Iran and North Korea. Musharraf acknowledges the issue but insists it was the result of individual actions, not state policy.
Throughout the discussion, he underscores Pakistan’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship, presenting the country as a responsible nuclear power despite the criticisms from the international community.