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QUETTA, May 28 (APP):To commemorate 26th Anniversary of Pakistan’s successful Nuclear Tests, Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN) organized a webinar on “Pakistan’s Nuclear Journey: Deterrence to Sustainable Development” on Tuesday.
The webinar was moderated by Research Officer Ms Summra Hamid.
While discussing the Emerging Challenges to Strategic Stability in South Asia, Dr Atia Ali Kazmi, Director Research CISS Islamabad, explained that the shifting regional circumstances have necessitated a robust deterrence capability for Pakistan’s national security, emphasizing peaceful development and self-defense.
Emerging challenges to strategic stability in South Asia are exacerbated by India’s rapid development of first strike capability and its role in Asia pacific strategy which destabilizes the region.
This arms race and India’s strategic partnerships heighten instability and pose significant threats to regional equilibrium. She pressed upon the fact that India’s growing sense of invulnerability could cause undesirable consequences to regional stability. She concluded by saying that all nine nuclear armed states must know the fact there is no victory in fighting a nuclear war thereby one must not fight one.
Head of BTTN, Brig Agha Ahmad Gul (R) paid rich tribute to all who contributed in Pakistan’s going nuclear and politico-military leadership during his addressing.
He also emphasized the crucial role of Pakistan’s development of nuclear weapons in establishing a strong deterrence, ensuring national security.
Brig Gul highlighted that on 28th May 1998, the day Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests, all threats from adversary India dissipated, solidifying the nation’s defense capabilities.
He further noted that peaceful applications, such as advancements in nuclear energy, are significant byproducts of Pakistan’s nuclear program, contributing to the nation’s progress and stability.
It is evident to never attack a nuclear state, as military response will be catastrophic and second, never to wage a war with another nuclear power. As none could win it and both states would end up with mutually assured destruction. Yet, Pakistan’s resolve and capability of prompt response remains intact.
Mr Sher Ali Kakar, Research Officer BTTN, shed light on the essence of Pakistan’s National Security and its Deterrence. He explained the concept of national security and survivability while emphasizing the terrible consequences of military invasions and attacks that have violated the sovereignty of many states. Whereas, countries with nuclear weapons capability, overt or covert, have successfully deterred security threats and ensured their national survival. The 1965 and the 1971 wars heightened Pakistan`s sense of vulnerability which grew further when India carried out its first nuclear test. These events created far-reaching strategic implications for Pakistan. The most important lesson for Pakistan was that reliance on external support for the security of the country through alliances, particularly relying on the US could not be trusted in the future and Pakistan had to ensure its security through its own capabilities, he said.
Dr Rubina Waseem, Assistant Professor CIPS, NUST, talked about Pakistan’s Confident Nuclear Security Regime: Measures and Regulations.
She elaborated that Pakistan has made significant strides in meeting international nuclear safety and security standards, as evidenced by its improved ranking in the SIPRI’s Nuclear Threat Initiative’s 2023 index, where it ranked 19 out of 22 countries. The country has developed a robust framework, including legislative measures, regulatory body and relevant institutions to implement rules and regulations drawn by the legislature.
She mentioned the prominent creations like the National Command Authority (NCA) and Strategic Plans Division (SPD) which stands as pillars to ensure Pakistan’s nuclear safety and security frameworks.
Additionally, Pakistan’s commitment to international norms is reflected in its participation in various international agreements and its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure high standards of nuclear safety and security, he said.
Dr Ansar Parvez, Former Chairman PAEC and Advisor (Nuclear Power) National Command Authority, apprised the session about Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Technology for Energy and Economy.
Dr Parvez highlighted the critical role of nuclear energy as a reliable base-load electricity option, emphasizing its environmental benefits.
He pointed out that nuclear power operations are environmentally friendly, with spent fuel being produced in small volumes. Additionally, he noted that nuclear fuel is not prone to frequent price fluctuations, making it a stable energy source.
While acknowledging the high capital cost, Dr Parvez argued that the low fuel cost makes nuclear power economically competitive. He emphasized on how nuclear technology is one effectively working towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
At the end, Brig Gul concluded the session with extending his gratitude to the speakers and the moderator.