On May 28, 1998, a day when all Muslims around the globe were celebrating Eid and feeling empowered and connected, Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test in the Chagai Hills, Balochistan province. The test involved five simultaneous underground nuclear experiments, known as Chagai-I, conducted at Ras Koh Hills in the Chagai District. Chagai-I was Pakistan’s first public nuclear test. China’s provision of nuclear reactors in 1993, as well as preceding nuclear technologies for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, aided in this achievement.
Its timing was a direct response to India’s second nuclear test, Pokhran-II, conducted between May 11 and 13, 1998. Pakistan and India’s tests prompted United Nations Security Council Resolution 1172 and economic penalties imposed by a number of major nations, including the United States and Japan. Pakistan became the seventh country to openly test nuclear weapons. Pakistan’s second nuclear test, Chagai-II, occurred on May 30, 1998.
History:
Pakistan transitioned to nuclear weapons development in 1972. Chagai-I was the result of over two decades of planning and preparation, becoming the seventh state to publicly admit to nuclear weapons testing. In 2005, Benazir Bhutto claimed Pakistan may have had an atomic device before 1977, with preparations for a nuclear test delayed to avoid an international reaction. Dr. Samar Mubarakmand confirmed Bhutto’s testimony, stating that PAEC developed the atomic bomb design in 1978 and successfully conducted a cold test in 1983.
Decision:
The decision to conduct nuclear tests in Pakistan was made at a meeting with joint chiefs and Cabinet members. The US President offered an aid package and sent delegations to lobby against the tests. Popular public opinion in Pakistan supports nuclear blasts.
At the NSC cabinet meeting, Pakistani officials debated the decision to test nuclear weapons. Joint chiefs supported the tests, while Naval Chief Admiral FasihBokhari and Finance Minister Sartaj Aziz argued against them. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan supported the tests.
With the G8 sanctions having little impact on India and doubt about the UN commitment, Pakistani government economists formed a final agreement around the premise that “there is no economic price for security.” Despite pressure from US President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Sharif allowed the nuclear testing by directing the PAEC in Urdu: “Dhamakakardein.”
In May 1998, a C-130 aircraft with four escorting F-16 Falcon jets secretly flew the completely knocked-down sub-assembly nuclear devices from Rawalpindi to Chagai. Then, in the echoes of “Allah-o-Akbar” and the earth-shaking scene of the nuclear test, Pakistan emerged as the only Islamic and seventh nuclear power.
In 1999, during an interview with Pakistani and Indian media in Islamabad, Sharif stated that if India had not done the nuclear test, Pakistan would not have done so. We [the Sharif Government] were forced to act because of public pressure.
Reaction of the International Community:
The Chagai-I tests were condemned by the EU, US, Japan, Iraq, and OIC countries. The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1172, condemning India and Pakistan. The US held talks with Pakistan, but Pakistan refused due to security concerns.
The United States, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) all put economic sanctions on Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, on the other hand, complimented Pakistan on its massive festivities. All new US economic assistance to Pakistan was halted in May 1998, while humanitarian help remained. The composition of Pakistan’s support changed from monetary handouts to loans repayable in foreign currencies. In the long run, the restrictions were permanently withdrawn by the US once Pakistan became a front-line partner in the fight against terror in 2001. After improving its finances, the Pakistani government concluded the IMF program in 2004.
Conclusion:
Overall, the first nuclear test in Pakistan marked a significant milestone in the country’s nuclear capabilities and its strategic defense posture.
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