Issue of Nuclear Proliferation

Extent of the Issue
The world at present faces a huge challenge of nuclear proliferation. Nuclear proliferation is the act of spreading nuclear weapons or fissile material to non-recognized nuclear countries or independent organizations. The US, which is the sole superpower of the world, has actively engaged in ending nuclear proliferation. Although the Western World has engaged in double standards as it kept a blind eye and provided clandestine support to Israel’s nuclear program, overall it has done a good job in curbing the proliferation of nuclear material. Pakistan has found itself in the news when in 2004 it was uncovered that an independent network led by former Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan was found guilty of supplying obsolete and faulty nuclear parts to Libya, North Korea and Iran. In the past; India, Pakistan and Israel acquired parts to build nuclear components through a clandestine network. Terrorist organization such as Al Qaeda has made it publicly known that it wants to acquire nuclear weapons. Thus, it is essential for the world to cooperate together and put a cap to the proliferation of nuclear weapons or components.

The world has joined hands and 189 countries signed the Nuclear Non proliferation Treaty. This treaty effectively recognized the 5 major powers UK, US, France, Russia and China as nuclear weapons state. India, Pakistan and Israel have not singed this treaty, as they believe it is discriminatory, as it does not legally allow other states to possess nuclear weapons. But these three nations have agreed to abide by principles, which discourage proliferation of nuclear weapons. The
International Atomic Energy Agency, which was formed in 1957, helps nations nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It also helps in establishing protocols and safeguards, which ensure that nuclear weapons or components don’t fall into the wrong hands. Terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda or other independent organizations have actively tried to acquire nuclear weapons but have failed
because of strict safeguards applied by all nuclear powered nations. Thus, the world faces a danger of nuclear material falling into the wrong hands but the safeguards taken by nuclear powered nations and IAEA has ensured that chances of nuclear components falling into the wrong hands are minimal.

Pakistan’s nuclear program has been under the scope of the international ommunity for a very long time. International overblown concerns that Pakistani nuclear weapons or components might fall into the wrong hands. It is true that Pakistan acquired a lot of its nuclear capabilities through a clandestine program by importing crucial technologies from the Western World, but it is equally true that the all the other nuclear powers have acquired their capabilities through their own clandestine programs. Pakistan has effectively dismantled the Abdul Qadeer Khan Network and has enhanced security mechanisms inside their nuclear facility. Islamabad has taken a number of steps to improve its nuclear security and to prevent further proliferation of nuclear- related technologies and materials. A number of important initiatives, such as strengthened export control laws, improved personnel security, and international nuclear security cooperation programs have improved Pakistan’s security situation in recent years. Thus, it is safe to conclude that international concerns regarding Pakistan’s nuclear program are overblown and Pakistan’s nuclear program is very safe.

Steps to be taken by international community to eliminate nuclear proliferation:

• Punitive international sanctions against hostile nations looking to acquire nuclear weapons capability

• An agreement regarding safeguards and protocols signed by both NPT and Non NPT Members

• Pro active steps should be taken by the international community which includes diplomatic, economic and military sanctions if it emerges that a state or a non state entity is looking to acquire nuclear capability

• Security assurances should be provided to states that are looking to acquire nuclear weapons for their safety

• Redouble efforts to resolve conflicts and confrontations

• Reasserting the image of a nuclear free world and taking tangible steps to make this goal real

Conclusion
In conclusion, nuclear proliferation is a very serious issue and the international community needs to take tangible steps to end this problem. Concerns about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are overblown as every independent research study testifies to the fact that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are very safe. Enhanced security protocols and provisions would reduce the chances of any leak of nuclear material. But the end vision for the world should be world free of nuclear weapons. Practical tangible steps need to be taken to ensure that this vision is achieved.