PAKISTAN’S NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY: BALANCING DETERRENCE AND GLOBAL NON-PROLIFERATION NORMS

Abstract

Pakistan’s nuclear diplomacy has been shaped by its need to balance deterrence against India with adherence to global non-proliferation norms. The country’s nuclear program, initiated in 1972 under Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, was a direct response to India’s nuclear ambitions and the perceived threat of Indian hegemony in South Asia. Following India’s nuclear test in 1974, Pakistan accelerated its nuclear program, culminating in its first successful nuclear test on May 28, 1998. This test marked a significant shift in the regional strategic balance, providing Pakistan with a credible deterrent against India. However, Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions have often placed it at odds with global non-proliferation efforts, particularly the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), leading to international scrutiny and sanctions. Despite these challenges, Pakistan has maintained that its nuclear program is purely defensive, aimed at ensuring regional stability and deterring aggression. The evolution of Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine reflects a focus on "tactical deterrence," emphasizing punitive retaliation rather than aggressive war-fighting capabilities. This approach aligns with its broader goal of maintaining a strategic balance with India while navigating the complexities of global nuclear diplomacy. Pakistan’s nuclear strategy has also been influenced by its economic constraints and the need to counter India’s conventional military superiority. The country’s nuclear program has become a cornerstone of its national security policy, with successive governments upholding its continuity despite international pressure. As Pakistan continues to navigate the challenges of nuclear diplomacy, it faces the dual task of maintaining its deterrent capabilities while engaging with global non-proliferation norms to ensure regional and international security.

Keywords: Pakistan, nuclear diplomacy, deterrence, non-proliferation, India, South Asia, tactical deterrence, NPT, strategic balance.