International Nuclear Law: A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is planning to expand its nuclear energy programme for peaceful purposes, however, such expansions require stringent laws and regulations. Therefore, it is important to understand nuclear law and what does it require from the states, which are using nuclear technology, for various peaceful applications including nuclear energy. Thus, this paper aims to provide an overview of nuclear law related to peaceful usages of nuclear technology. The paper also tries to examine the implementation of nuclear law in Pakistan. It also discusses some of the challenges related to nuclear law at the international level, which include difficulties of nuclear law in remaining at pace with technological developments; reactive regime; emerging nuclear security threats; duplications of nuclear security efforts; intrusive nature of safeguards and ignoring strategic ground realities. The challenges, at the national level, include limited nuclear law expertise, insignificant propagation of Pakistan’s adherence and implementation accomplishments. For overcoming challenges, at the national level, this paper recommends development of academic and institutional capability with regards to nuclear law and sufficient dissemination of Pakistan’s achievements in adherence to and implementation of nuclear law.