Abstract
Unable to find a satisfactory solution to its security dilemma in the face of
a much larger and hostile neighbour, Pakistan sought security through
external sources of support. As a result it became a part of the Western
alliance system by joining the SEATO and CENTO in the mid 1950s
and also signed a bilateral defence agreement with the US in 1959.
However, during its war with India in September 1965, the US and
Western allies imposed an arms embargo on both India and Pakistan, an
act that hit Pakistan harder because of its greater dependence on that
source of supply. Then, in the 1971 war, Pakistan’s hope that the
Americans and the Chinese would intervene on its side was dashed. As a
result of the loss of its eastern wing, Pakistan became acutely aware of the
fact that in the future it will have to stand on its own feet to defend itself.
Pakistani leaders realized that given the disparity in size and resources it
would be impossible for Pakistan to defend itself conventionally against
India and it needed an equalizer in the shape of nuclear capability to
safeguard its territorial integrity. They were also aware that India had
already mastered most elements of the nuclear fuel cycle. If there were any
doubts as to the viability/desirability of this option, these were swept away
by the first Indian nuclear test in May 1974. Pakistan was, therefore,
left with no option but to pursue its own military nuclear programme.
Naeem Salik. (2011) Pakistan’s Nuclearisation – Imperatives Of National Security And Survival Of A Smaller State, IPRI Journal, Volume-11, Issue-1.
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