International Misperceptions about Pakistan's Nuclear Security

Abstract

This paper aims to outline the international misperception about Pakistan's nuclear programme and analyses the origins of each critique, but also the measures Pakistan has put in place to rectify it. Furthermore, some issues will remain, but remain issues for all states with nuclear weapons and are not unique to Pakistan. These cases are outlined, and it is argued that these should be seen as international issues and that Pakistan should not be singled out for such failings. This paper is primarily aimed at scholars of security and strategic studies to inform them of the origins of the international perceptions, but also how the country has responded. The paper, therefore, may also assist international scholars who observe Pakistan's nuclear programme externally to acquaint them with the considerable efforts Pakistan had undergone since 1998 when it first conducted its nuclear test.