Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Programme: Criticism, Propaganda and Response

Abstract

As a result of constant improvement in its nuclear credentials, Pakistan has emerged as a responsible nuclear weapons state. Pakistan has been pursuing a Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD) doctrine to deter India’s growing conventional and nuclear capabilities. However, time and again, Pakistan has faced criticism and propaganda over nuclear safety and security, and necessary technological advancements in its nuclear weapons complex. From fears of Pakistan making an ‘Islamic bomb’ to the ‘world’s fastest growing nuclear weapons complex,’ Pakistan has tried to address the valid international concerns and brushed aside propaganda against its nuclear weapons programme. With this background, the purpose of this paper is to analyse post-1998 nuclear test, propaganda against Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme. The paper will address the questions related to the nature and purpose of this propaganda and Pakistan’s response to distinguish between facts and propaganda.