There is a dire need to undertake proactive measures that project a soft and moderate image of Pakistan
At the two-day Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague Nawaz Sharif pleaded for access to nuclear technology arguing that this was needed to overcome Pakistan’s chronic power shortages which were restricting its production capacity and standing in the way of industrial revival. Many would agree with the prime minister that power shortages constitute a big hurdle in the economic development. The government is already trying to add to the national grid by building additional dams, nuclear and solar energy plants and windmills. Pakistan not only needs to overcome the existing shortages but also to plan for the growing energy needs of the country.
Pakistan has a history of safe operation of nuclear plants and therefore considers that it has the right to civilian nuclear energy. Its access to civilian nuclear technology is however restricted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for not complying with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Islamabad considers this treatment as discriminatory because India, another non-NPT member, has been given exemption by the NSG. Despite the need to set up more nuclear power plants Pakistan is facing a global policy of denial, with no country other than China willing to supply it reactors.
Nawaz Sharif has called for Pakistan’s inclusion in all international export control regimes, especially the Nuclear Suppliers Group. While putting up the demand Sharif underlined that Pakistan has been running a safe, secure and safeguarded civil nuclear programme for more than 40 years and possesses the expertise, manpower and infrastructure to produce civil nuclear energy. What is more, Islamabad pursues a policy of nuclear restraint and credible minimum deterrence. Its nuclear materials, facilities and assets are safe with the country’s nuclear security regime being anchored in the principle of multi-layered defence for the entire spectrum – inside, outside or cyber threat.
Despite Sharif’s forceful defence of his case, the ghost of AQ Khan’s proliferation continues to cast a shadow over Pakistan’s efforts to seek access to nuclear technology. The disservice that Khan and his associates did to Pakistan is formidable. While Sharif has underlined Islamabad’s efforts for peace on the subcontinent, the nuclear arms race is heating up in South Asia. It is estimated that Pakistan is on course to overtake Britain as the world’s No 5 nuclear power vis a vis the number of nuclear weapons that also include tactical weapons. This worries the world as there is little headway in the improvement of relations between the two nuclear armed countries. While doubts and suspicions that have marred Pak-US relations in the past might have been reduced, these are far from having been fully dispelled. Notwithstanding Sharif’s argument regarding Pakistan having prepared a foolproof system of nuclear security, statements by those holding important positions in administration that indicate a soft corner for Pakistani Taliban make many in US feel uncomfortable. There is a dire need to undertake proactive measures that project a soft and moderate image of Pakistan.