Until now Islamabad’s push was considered a far-fetched dream – and it may yet remain at the threshold – but for the intriguing geo-political pitch which has gained traction because of an apparent nuclear zero-sum regime in South Asia.
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However, the U.S. backs India’s NSG membership bid by recognising the South Asian country’s historical and cultural wingspan across the Indian Ocean.
Youm-e-Takbeer marks the day when Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons in 1998 in Balochistan province.
On the dilemma of Pakistan’s induction in the NSG club, Pakistan need not to fear much, after the latest pledge from its ever green friend China.
The NSG members are meeting in South Korea next month to discuss India’s request for entry and other issues but Mr Toner said at his news briefing on Friday that this meeting had not been called to discuss India’s membership although this was one of the issues that might come up. ‘The issue was discussed at length and Pakistan highlighted its point of view saying that it has equal right to join the group for fulfilling its requirement for peaceful use of nuclear technology. Pakistan is a good friend of China. Even if we assume that the Pakistani Army chief orders a nuclear strike out-of-the-blue tomorrow, given the peace time alertness, it will take at least six hours before they are able to launch, he said.
All indicators however, suggest Pakistan may already be down that path as claimed by a former defence secretary associated with the country’s deterrence programme past year! These developments have also set off alarm bells in Pakistan and that rightly so because ignoring the country which has comparatively better credentials and safeguards than India wants equal treatment on non discriminatory basis. Pakistan also deserves NSG membership since it is a responsible nuclear power. However, he continues to be held in high regard by a section of the Pakistani establishment and anti-India groups.
“We are facing the worst against our services to the country’s nuclear programme”, he added. Pakistan reportedly, maintains a work force of highly trained 30,000 personnel in a multi-layered security ring. It was a period of great tension with troop movement happening on both sides of the border and many believed that war between the countries was imminent.
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– The writer is Community Editor.
