Global Disarmament Or Selective Compliance? – OpEd

The Path to Total Nuclear Disarmament September 26 marks the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, a day dedicated to eradicating the nuclear threat that continues to loom over the world. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan has long recognized the importance of global disarmament. However, it has also underscored that any efforts toward a nuclear-free world must be approached equitably and without compromising national security. Pakistan’s stance is clear: while committed to promoting global peace, it will only support disarmament initiatives that ensure strategic stability in South Asia and do not place any one country at a disadvantage.

Since its emergence as a nuclear power, Pakistan has maintained a consistent policy of restraint. Unlike countries that flaunt their nuclear capabilities for global dominance, Pakistan’s nuclear weapons exist solely as a means of deterrence, designed to counterbalance security threats, particularly from its immediate neighbor, India. Pakistan has always viewed its nuclear arsenal as a tool for defense, not aggression. Pakistan’s nuclear policy is rooted in transparency, responsibility, and a desire to maintain peace in South Asia. While it advocates for nuclear disarmament, this advocacy is grounded in the principle that disarmament must be a global effort. Selective or region-specific disarmament would risk destabilizing the delicate balance of power that nuclear deterrence has helped maintain in the region.

On the international stage, nuclear disarmament is often championed by countries with significant nuclear stockpiles. These nations call for the elimination of nuclear weapons while simultaneously building up their arsenals as tools of global dominance. It is this glaring hypocrisy that Pakistan, and many other countries, find difficult to reconcile. The loudest advocates for disarmament are often those who benefit the most from the existing nuclear order. Israel’s nuclear program is a case in point. Despite being widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, Israel has never officially confirmed or denied its nuclear capabilities. This lack of transparency allows Israel to evade international scrutiny, despite its actions in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, where its aggressive policies continue unchecked. The selective silence surrounding Israel’s nuclear program undermines the credibility of global disarmament efforts.

India’s bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is another example of the double standards that dominate global disarmament discourse. Despite its involvement in state-sponsored killings abroad, human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and links to terrorist networks, India is still considered a candidate for NSG membership. How can a country with such a record be given access to nuclear materials and technology without facing accountability?

Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about India’s nuclear ambitions and the lack of international scrutiny surrounding its nuclear program. Granting India NSG membership without addressing these concerns would not only destabilize South Asia but also undermine the very principles of global non-proliferation.

Pakistan remains steadfast in its belief that nuclear disarmament must be a collective, global effort. All nuclear-armed states must commit to disarmament simultaneously to ensure that no country is left at a strategic disadvantage. This principle of fairness is crucial to maintaining global peace and stability. Disarmament cannot be imposed selectively, with some countries retaining their nuclear arsenals while others are forced to disarm.

As part of its commitment to disarmament, Pakistan continues to push for comprehensive dialogue with all stakeholders. This dialogue must address not only disarmament but also confidence-building, non-proliferation, and the resolution of underlying disputes that fuel regional tensions. Without addressing these root causes, any disarmament efforts will be incomplete and ineffective.

A Call for Genuine Global Disarmament The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons serves as a reminder of the importance of working toward a nuclear-free world. However, this goal can only be achieved through a fair and transparent process that holds all nations accountable. Pakistan’s position reflects a commitment to peace and security, both in South Asia and globally, but it is also a recognition that disarmament cannot come at the cost of its own national security.