Nuclear security imperatives

The story of Pakistan's Nuclear weapon programme is unique, as regards 'intent and the sacrifices' made to acquire the capability. In 1974 when India carried-out the first explosion, our Prime Minister Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, declared that Pakistan would acquire nuclear weapon capability, to maintain the balance of power in South Asia, no matter what price it had to pay. Thus Pakistan became the first country in the world to pronounce its 'intent' to acquire nuclear weapon technology overtly, though it could be possible only through great deal of covert activity. And the price Pakistan had to pay was very little, in terms of money, but very high in terms of personal sacrifices of our national leaders, who made it possible to achieve the objectives of the programme within a period of 22 years – 1975-1998.

There were mainly five persons, to whom our nuclear programme is indebted to – Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who gave the 'policy definition and set the goals'; General Ziaul Haq provided unflinching support to the programme from 1977 to 1988; Benazir Bhutto added 'logic and restraint'; Dr. A.Q. Khan, the work-horse, with his technological genius achieved break-through in a short period of ten years and Mian Nawaz Sharif added 'credibility and confirmation' to our nuclear weapon capability, by giving a befitting response to Indian atomic tests of 12 May 1998, carried out under the leadership of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand who conducted five tests on 28th May at Chaghi and the sixth on 30th May at Kharan. All the five personalities have paid a very high price for their contributions.

Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was eliminated through the judicial process; General Zia was assassinated through sabotage; Benazir Bhutto was assassinated through terror in cold-blood; Dr. A.Q. Khan was humiliated by the military government and confined to languish in a sub-jail, since 2004. Mr. Nawaz Sharif lost his government, suffered humiliation and eight years long exile. This is what makes Pakistan's Nuclear programme so unique and dear to the Pakistani nation.

The Story: In 1975, Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, formed the task force under Dr. A. Q. Khan, defined the goals to be achieved, gave him full autonomy and freedom, and directed him, "go and get it." Dr. A. Q. Khan could not get the technology, from those who possessed – Washington, Moscow, London, Paris or Beijing yet he got it from the American and European agents operating with the 'nuclear under-world', who had everything to offer, if one is prepared to pay the price. Thus Dr. Khan entered the nuclear underworld, made his contacts and did his shopping. He rubbed shoulders with others, shopping in this 'grand mall'. North Korea, Libya, Iran and others could also consult with each other, to find the lead to the best bargain. Thus they all remained under constant watch by the American watching eyes who recorded and photographed such contacts, and produced these as evidence against Dr. Khan in 2004. Our military leadership found him guilty and put him under 'protective custody' without a trial. Tomorrow, when Dr. Khan is free, he will tell the real story.

General Ziaul Haq supported the programme for ten long years, thus Pakistan was able to enrich weapon grade uranium, and through system engineering, was able to design and develop the complete technology of the atomic weapon, and "crossed the red-line" in 1986. As the programme expanded, Gen Zia, inducted Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) under the gifted scientist, Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, who took care of research and development of the weapon system. In 1986, the Vice-Chief of Army Staff, General K.M. Arif was also made a member of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).

In march 1987, I was appointed Vice-Chief of Army Staff and made privy to the nuclear programme. I visited the KRL laboratory and saw the atomic devices and thousands of centrifuge machines, spinning and enriching uranium. I also visited the computer laboratory, where device testings were carried-out. What I saw, was a marvel of scientific work. In 1987, Dr. A.Q Khan was also tasked to complete the weapon delivery system, using the F-16s and the mirages. Within six months, our scientists tested the system, which worked perfectly well. It was at this time that Mr. Richard Barlow, who was covertly monitoring our programme, reported to Washington that "Pakistan has crossed the red-line." Washington told him to 'shut-up'.

He was transferred and the President of United States continued to testify before the congress, for three successive years, 1987, 88 and 89, that Pakistan was several years behind in making weapon grade uranium and the atomic warhead, because, USA needed Pakistan's support in their war against the Soviets in Afghanistan. When the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, the Americans turned their back on Pakistan threatening to cut-off military and economic aid, which they did in 1990.