Evolution of Pakistans Nuclear Weapon Programme

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of Pakistan's nuclear progarmme before and after 1998. Pakistan started its nuclear programme solely for peaceful purpose, and it had no intention to develop nuclear weapons. However, India's objective to acquire nuclear weapons compelled Pakistan to make its own weapon to deter India. After the 1971 war and India's so-called Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (P.N.E.) in 1974, there was no option left for Pakistan but to build its bomb to deter Indian aggression. This paper comprehensively discusses the evolution of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the role of civil-military leadership and furthermore, the development of the command and control system. This paper further elaborates the development of missile technology and the nuclear policy of the country