Pakistan and Nuclear Dilemma

One of the most difficult topics in the field of nuclear diplomacy in South Asia is, surely, Pakistan’s nuclear pro­gramme and its objectives. Documenta­tion is hard to come by, information is sparse and rumour rife. Dr. Sinha and Dr. Subramanian, both of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, have responded to the challenge ably. They describe Pakistan’s nuclear programme over a quarter century from 1954 to 1979, discuss its objectives, and proceed to analyse the switch-over from the route of reprocessing of spent fuel for recovering plutonium to that of uranium enrichment. They sum up by consider­ing the implications of Pakistan’s pro­gramme for the region. Although General Zia-ul-Haq has continued the programme, contrary to Z.A. Bhutto’s accusation, it was Bhutto who, since his entry into the Cabinet of General Ayub Khan in 1958, ‘provided new content, direction and dimensions to the nuclear programme and policies of Pakistan.’ The opinion is fully sup­ported by the facts the authors mention which provide a good idea of the incep­tion and progress of the programme over the years.