CISS launched its second book in the CISS book series entitled “Nuclear Pakistan, Seeking Security and Stability.”
“Pakistan should not be apologetic about its nuclear program”, this was stated by Pakistan’s former foreign minister Ambassador (R) Inam-ul-Haque while speaking at the launch of the book on, Nuclear Pakistan: Seeking Security and Stability; at Islamabad Club. The book, edited by Dr. Naeem Ahmed Salik, former Director Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs Directorate, Pakistan and published by The University of Lahore, is second in the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) Security Series.
The book brings to the reader a comprehensive account of the various aspects of Pakistan’s nuclear program; ranging from doctrinal and legislative aspects to that of the technological and peaceful side. The chapters in the book, authored by scholars from diverse academic and policy background, provide in a simple and easy to read language a Pakistani account of the development of its civilian as well as nuclear weapons program, doctrinal aspects and dismisses the misplaced notions of being the fastest nuclear weapons program of the world.
Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi, Executive Director CISS thanked the authors for contributing to this scholarly endeavour and bringing out a wholesome account on Pakistan’s nuclear program discussing Pakistan’s domestic legislative nuclear regime, nuclear doctrine, peaceful uses, fuel cycle development and the country’s place in the international nuclear regime.
Ambassador (R) Tariq Osman Hyder, said that the academic and strategic community in Pakistan has been too small far too long. He commented that it was a welcome change that apart from old stalwarts, competent new entrants, who are recognized both at home and abroad, have also contributed to the book. He also said that the book is a successful endeavour in bringing to the reader an account on Pakistan’s continuous quest for seeking security and stability apart from provoking thought on issues which need further clarification and exploration.
Mr. Khalid Banuri, former Director General of Arms Control and Disarmament branch of Strategic Plans Division critically analyzed the book and inferred that the book is highly readable for both students to understand various aspects and for scholars to reflect upon issues raised by authors. He especially recommended that further studies be done to interpret the open source data for providing Pakistani perspective without emotive.
Dr. Rabia Akhtar, Head of the Department at the School of Integrated Social Sciences, University of Lahore, in her review observed that the book is about Pakistan’s nuclear journey but doesn’t only reflect on the past but also the future. She endorsed the editor’s view that Pakistan’s response to hostile propaganda has been weak and disjointed; as Pakistani scholars had been unable to project Pakistan’s narrative well. She further asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear program was ‘borne out of necessity to safeguard Pakistan’s national interest and we as Pakistani’s do not need to be apologetic about the acquisition of the bomb as Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are legitimate under international law.’ She emphasized on the significance of primary sources research on the subject of Pakistan’s nuclear policy and security to reach out to a wider international audience. She commended the book as the right step in the direction of projecting a Pakistani narrative on these issues.
Editor of the book, Dr. Naeem Salik thanked the reviewers for their critical and objective analysis of the book. He said that the purpose of the book was to raise questions for further exploration regarding Pakistan’s quest for nuclear stability and security and hence by generating a wider debate on nuclear issues, the book makes an effort to fill in the intellectual spaces. The reviewers highly recommended the book for reading by both the established scholars in the field as well as for students interested in reading a good analytical account on Pakistan’s nuclear program and policy issues.
