ABSTRACT
The Pakistanis claim that they have the capability to enrich uranium and it appears that they may be constructing a plutonium production reactor. Pakistan has got as far as it has, not only through nuclear co-operation with several Western countries and with China, but also through espionage aimed at acquiring nuclear technology. Pakistani nuclear policy, like Pakistani security policy in general, has been overwhelmingly influenced by competition with India. The Indian nuclear explosion accelerated existing trends by increasing the incentives for Pakistan to strengthen its nuclear potential and seek an agreement to deter India from “weaponizing” the successfully tested device. The Indian explosion, moreover, dramatically increased public awareness of the nuclear issue in Pakistan. India and Pakistan might enter into an agreement not to explode nuclear devices or produce nuclear weapons if their overall relations improve.
