Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons Program Flashcards
Pakistani Atomic Energy Commission
1956: created to supervise the new nuclear program intended for peaceful applications
Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology
1965: was established and placed an order for Canadian heavy reactors
Pakistan and the NPT
1968: decided not to join as it was developing its NP and had tensions with I, also said that the NPT was discriminatory as it determined the nuclear powers which couldn’t transfer nuclear tech and non-nuclear powers aren’t allowed to manufacture or accept any
Kashmir
many conflicts have arisen in the region, I assumed control over it but P hasn’t accepted this which is an ongoing disagereement
1971 War
the war between I and P had an impact on P’s decision to develop a NWs capability
Decision to Make a Nuclear Bomb Project
Jan 1972: Pres Zulfikar Ali Bhutto instructed scientists to start focusing on a bomb project ASAP
Munir Ahmad Khan
nuclear physicist, worked at US Argonne National Lab in 1957, appointed as senior technical position at the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1958, believed that P needed a bomb project due to I’s project, became chairman of P’s AEC and director of P’s NWs program in 1972
Main Testing Site
Ras Koh Hills in the Chagai District, didn’t sign CTBT due to plans for underground testing, testing began in 1998 as a result of I’s 1998 tests
Chagai I
Oct 28, 1998: a series of the first P underground tests
Chagai II
Oct 30, 1998: single underground test
full spectrum deterrence
refers to having technology like ballistic missiles, tactical weapons, etc. to maximize deterrence and allow easier and faster mobilization
Concerns of Tensions between Pakistan and India
Bulletin of Atomic Sciences declared that I-P relations are incredibly concerning, I launched a missile into P territory which damaged property, risk of conflict escalation remains dangerously high
