Twenty-eight years ago, Pakistan declared itself a nuclear power in response to India’s nuclear tests. On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted five nuclear explosions in the mountains of Chagai, demonstrating its nuclear capability against India. In this way, Pakistan emerged as the world’s seventh nuclear power, and the day became a source of pride for Pakistan and the Muslim world, as Pakistan gave a strong response to its deceitful enemy, India. After these nuclear tests, Pakistan earned the distinction of becoming the first nuclear power in the Muslim world and the seventh in the world. This day is remembered as Youm-e-Takbeer.
If we examine the background of these nuclear tests, India had harboured hostile intentions toward Pakistan since its inception. Its aim was somehow to eliminate Pakistan, occupy it, and fulfil the dream of “Akhand Bharat” (Greater India). Compared to India, Pakistan is a smaller country in terms of area and population. Numerically, India possesses the world’s third-largest army, fourth-largest air force, and fifth-largest navy. India had already conducted a nuclear test in 1974, thereby initiating the nuclear arms race in the region.
For India, May 28, 1998, is portrayed as a frightening memory, while for Pakistanis it is remembered as a historic day symbolising security, peace, national integrity, and protection of sovereignty.
Pakistan had already begun working on atomic energy before this, with the purpose of promoting peaceful technology. However, after India’s nuclear test in 1974, it became essential for Pakistan to become a nuclear power as well in order to safeguard its existence and respond to India’s threats. Once India became a nuclear power, the balance of power in South Asia was severely disturbed, and India began issuing threats. Therefore, after India’s nuclear tests, Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto decided that Pakistan must also become a nuclear power. For this purpose, he famously declared that “we will eat grass if we must, but we will make Pakistan a nuclear power.” Thus, Pakistan’s nuclear program began to flourish during Bhutto’s era.
Later, during the rule of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, work on the program accelerated rapidly. Many believe that Pakistan had effectively become a nuclear power during General Zia-ul-Haq’s tenure. When India began large-scale military exercises in Rajasthan during that period, General Zia unexpectedly visited India, which alarmed the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. India refrained from aggression largely because Pakistan had already acquired nuclear capability.
Over the years, Pakistan’s nuclear program continued to develop through the efforts of different governments and institutions. The Pakistan Army, affiliated institutions, civilian governments, and nuclear scientists all contributed tirelessly to making Pakistan a nuclear power and protecting the country from Indian domination. Western countries offered Pakistan incentives, temptations, and threats to halt the program, but Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership stood united against this pressure and made Pakistan’s defence impregnable against India.
Pakistan’s becoming a nuclear power has proven to be a blessing for the country. A recent example often cited is the Iran-US conflict, where it is argued that if Iran had already become a nuclear power, perhaps the United States would have hesitated before attacking it. Similarly, the Russia-Ukraine war is presented as another example. Ukraine inherited around 3,000 nuclear weapons after the breakup of the Soviet Union, but Western countries persuaded it to relinquish them in exchange for security guarantees.
Russia also pledged to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, after giving up its nuclear assets, Ukraine now seeks protection from the United States and NATO against Russia. Likewise, the Western world has repeatedly tried to persuade Pakistan to abandon its nuclear program through incentives and pressure. Sometimes billions of dollars are offered, and at other times threats are made. Yet, by the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s military and political leadership has never compromised on the country’s nuclear capability. Otherwise, India, which conspired in 1971 to separate East Pakistan, would never tolerate Pakistan’s existence.
It is Pakistan’s nuclear capability that deters India from aggression. Pakistan’s nuclear tests and advancement in technology are regarded as guarantees of the country’s sovereignty and survival. India, from the very beginning, has not accepted Pakistan’s existence, and the treatment of Muslims in India today is often cited by supporters of Pakistan’s nuclear program as evidence of the need for a strong national defence.
They argue that those who suggest Pakistan should abandon nuclear weapons should look at these realities. War has never been Pakistan’s objective. However, supporters of nuclear deterrence believe that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is essential to prevent war and keep India in check. They argue that it is necessary not only for regional peace but also for deterring Indian aggression. Otherwise, they claim, India would long ago have treated Pakistan the way Russia has treated Ukraine. According to this perspective, even during tensions in May of last year, India could not escalate beyond a certain limit because of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence.
For India, May 28, 1998, is portrayed as a frightening memory, while for Pakistanis it is remembered as a historic day symbolising security, peace, national integrity, and protection of sovereignty.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.