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WASHINGTON: Continued Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons development could jeopardise strategic stability between the two countries, warns a congressional report sent to US lawmakers this week.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS), which prepared the report, notes that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is “designed to dissuade India from taking military action against the country”. But it continues to increase its production facilities, “deploying additional nuclear weapons, and new types of delivery vehicles”.
The report notes that India also “continues to expand its nuclear arsenal” but since the report is about Pakistan, it focuses on the Pakistani nuclear programme.
Pakistan’s N-arsenal ‘designed to dissuade India from taking military action’
However, authors of the report acknowledge that this nuclear race increases the risk of a nuclear conflict in the region. The report claims that Pakistan has approximately 110-130 nuclear warheads, although it could have more.
“Islamabad’s expansion of its nuclear arsenal, development of new types of nuclear weapons, and adoption of a doctrine called ‘full spectrum deterrence’ have led some observers to express concern about an increased risk of nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India,” the report warns.
It acknowledges that since 2004, 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 programmes, have improved Pakistan’s nuclear security,” the report notes.
But CRS warns that ‘instability’ in Pakistan has “called the extent and durability of these reforms into question.”
It repeats an old fear, often echoed in Washington, “a radical takeover of the Pakistani government or diversion of material or technology by personnel within Pakistan’s nuclear complex”.
In the same paragraph, the report also notes that both the US and Pakistani officials “continue to express confidence in controls over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons”.
But “continued instability in the country could impact these safeguards,” the report adds.
Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2016
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Comments (91) Closed
Jan 23, 2016 06:51am
As long as it helps keep peace in South Asia that will be a big plus.
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Jan 23, 2016 07:15am
Pakistani deterrence require:
1. Nuclear submarines
2. ICBM with MIRV technology
3. 5th generation fighter plane
4. Eduction & Economy (this is most important)
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Jan 23, 2016 07:44am
USA probably forgot their own contributions.
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Jan 23, 2016 07:47am
US policy builders are trying to keep pressure on Pakistan. It is simply the geographical location of Pakistan and dangers to American interests in the Central Asia that is preventing them from subjecting Pakistan to extreme pressures. Remember in the world of politics no one is nones friend or enemy, but the national interests .e.g. Sadden Hussain, Col Ghadafi, Talibans leaders welcome and by Regan on White House lawn.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:05am
Nuclear weapons are absolutely avoidable. Those who are in favor of nuclear weapons are apparently under the delusion that the enemy would suffer but they themselves would be safe. This thinking is idiotic. None would be there in the event of a nuclear war. The life of those who survive will not be worth living. Such people would beg for death rather than for life.
Nuclear weapons and for that matter any weapons of mass destruction are merely suicidal.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:09am
@M. Siddique - As long as it takes up money from education, agriculture, hospitals it is a big plus!!!!!!! Who is fooling to who?
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Jan 23, 2016 09:17am
Expansion of nuclear arsenal by Pakistan will help promote the stability between the two countries as they will never go for a conventional war knowing the strength of each other, yes if anyone is weaker than the other that will incite the stronger nation to attack the weaker one. So just talking against Pakistan nuclear armaments is not fair. We have seen in the recent past what had happened to Iraq and Libya I bet if the two nations have had the nuclear arsenals then the aggressors would have thought twice to attack them. Another example of North Korea it is just his nuclear capability that is keeping the war mongers away from that country otherwise they eaten it up by now. So I will suggest Pakistan establishment to keep building your deterrence capability that sis the only way survive respectfully in this world.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:18am
Scary scenario.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:27am
No 1st use of n. weapons by india. a matured stable democracy.no need to say more about. it is upto the reader.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:33am
American should have thought that before dropping nukes on Japan .westerner are hypocrite
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Jan 23, 2016 09:58am
@Khwarezmi your most important point is last. Your mind and heart is not coherent. Please prioritize your priorities.
Good luck
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Jan 23, 2016 10:03am
How is the report about the nuclear capabilities and concerned weapons of India ?
Report about Pakistan and criticism on its nuclear weapons are because it is a Muslim country. Furthermore, the West wants to bring Pakistan under Indian Control.
West must note that Pakistan is as responsible as any other nuclear country which includes also USA. And to date USA is the only country which commited the genocide by throwing Atomic Bombs on Japan. They should first clean the blood stains of their hands before expressing any skepticism on any othet country of nuclear capability including Pakistan and even Iran.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:17am
Brits to blame, divide and rule theory failed, divide and create mess thats what you get.
Invasions , and delivering so called democracy, creates chaos, and that leads to
bad things .
lets not divide more countries based on religions or colors or other things. Let the super power work hard to unite people. Thats the best thing. UNite and LOve.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:21am
Answer lies in resolution of Kashmir dispute by giving autonomous status(leaving defense and foreign affairs with centre) to Kashmir both by India and Pakistan in their control.
And normalization of relations between in India and Pakistan followed by no war pact.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:23am
@Khwarezmi Why do you need an ICBM?
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Jan 23, 2016 10:23am
@Khwarezmi look at your priority !!! Education & economy at bottom. All the best mate !!
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Jan 23, 2016 10:27am
US is definitely benefited.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:29am
Who are US? Why to believe in US? What US got to do; what PAK did or does?In whatever matter; why US endorsement matters a lot?
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Jan 23, 2016 10:38am
Well done Pakistan. Building a sizeable Military might is the fundamental right of a country. Pakistan should continue to build it's strength to keep keep evil eyes as far as possible and at the same time should abide by international law of non proliferation and should work to fully secure its nuclear assets
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Jan 23, 2016 10:40am
@dipak - India introduced nuclear weapons into South Asia in 1974 assisted by the West. So much for mature democracy. More like an insecure, often-occupied, giant with feet of clay.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:47am
We as Pakistanis are still afraid of external threats when we must look at ourselves first for self-improvement. Upon which we will transcend into being one of the best societies out world has seen. A dream still...
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Jan 23, 2016 10:55am
Of course we built it to scare away enemy. Thanks for letting us know Einstein!!
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Jan 23, 2016 10:56am
@Bajrangi Bhaijaan In Litracy Pakistan is good 20% behind India, that is very sad.But it is 30 nuclear warheads ahead of India.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:56am
Hope 26/11 Mumbai attacks does not happen again.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:57am
@GA
India seeks parity with China and not Pakistan.India developed Nuke weapons as china had it earlier and as a deterrent to China .India will continue arming itself all types of deadly weapons untill and unless it reached the level of China and equivalent to USA and Russia.India is the 4th largest military force in all 3 fields and 4th largest economy in the world.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:58am
In a nuclear war, if there is one, no one wins.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:06am
Nothing new here. Let's move on
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Jan 23, 2016 11:10am
@Sunil 26/11 is crime that looks like a toddlers not eating his food compared tot he crime of subjugating a while nation and denying it its right of self determination.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:10am
@Warrior: LOL
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Jan 23, 2016 11:11am
@Fazal Karim No war pact should be preceded by NO-Terrorism pact.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:14am
Now this US propaganda, India do not need military action against Pakistan or any other neighbor. So, instead of falling to false conspiracy theory, this one looks true. India and Pakistan are same. We want peace with you but keeping sovereignty of both countries intact.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:14am
@GA Do you see rationale behind your comment.. India introduced it in 1974.. still didn't use it all those years when you do not had these weapons. Why it will use it now when you have also these weapons.
DO You know a thing called logic?
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Jan 23, 2016 11:14am
And what about Indian arsenals? they are against whom?
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Jan 23, 2016 11:15am
@Abdullah Masood; I agree with your point. US is the only country in the world to have used nuclear bomb. At least they could say sorry for this action.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:16am
@Warrior To scare away Enemy? Has it scared Taliban? What you say Newton?
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Jan 23, 2016 11:20am
Dear USA, Pakistan has done lot for you, helped you fight Cold War etc. Why do USA has nuclear bombs? You have used it on Japan, how can you talk? Why are you worried about India? Is this Love for India? Dear USA you are too far from Pakistan so you don't worry about it.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:20am
@Bajrangi Bhaijaan Dear we are not living is a filmi world, besides who says India is an educated country.Population wise Pakistan is at par with India in education. don't go after numeric game of percentage.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:28am
Nuclear weapon can not save any country. The stability of the country is more dependent on economic and industrial development. All of you can see USSR break down into piceses even it has one of largest nuclear stock pile. Countries like Pakistan where they have the nuclear weapon and terrorism is a deadly combination. It is danger to the region as well as the entire world.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:40am
@GA Whatever you have said is your opinion only and that's not the truth. Which western country supported India in making nuclear weapon in 1974?
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Jan 23, 2016 11:41am
There may be many people on both sides who could be looking forward to the Armageddon
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Jan 23, 2016 11:48am
10 nukes or 120+ nukes , impact would be same . You dont need so many nukes to show your strength ! Half of that technology could have been used better for power generation and money on something good for ppl of Pak.
Increase the armor is good , but spending much money whn ppl need attention .!!
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Jan 23, 2016 11:48am
Yes but the country is becoming weak in all aspects and nuclear bombs are becoming liability
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Jan 23, 2016 11:48am
@Shuja well said.
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Jan 23, 2016 11:50am
Good to hear that Indian army is doing its job !!
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Jan 23, 2016 11:52am
@Abdullah Masood lol..as if you don't know who they are..
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Jan 23, 2016 12:07pm
@Abdullah Masood they are masters of your destiny
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Jan 23, 2016 12:10pm
@BRAHMDAGH Absolutely agree with you buddy...
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Jan 23, 2016 12:15pm
@Khwarezmi You've to put your list of priorities upside down if you really want to see your country progress! No country will progress without proper education, good economy, infrastructure and health how much ever you do to build your weapons!
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Jan 23, 2016 12:22pm
This is our own internal affair and nobody else's business.
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Jan 23, 2016 12:22pm
The report notes that India also “continues to expand its nuclear arsenal” but since the report is about Pakistan, it focuses on the Pakistani nuclear programme.
Well hmm, sounds unbiased!
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Jan 23, 2016 12:24pm
US wants to be the sole supplier of arms, therefore criticizes Pakistan for manufacturing it. "Entangle in war and then sell arms to both sides" is a profitable strategy for US...
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Jan 23, 2016 12:26pm
Instability in a nuclear armed country is a genuine world concern which the people of Pakistan must address as in a responsible manner for their own survival and for safety of the world community by:
1) bringing a stable and credible system of the government in the country with good governance by eliminating extremism in the society through education and economic development as well as separating the State from the religious elements.
2) elimination of terrorism through Judicial reforms and with stringent law enforcement
3) Resolution of disputes with neighboring countries such as the Kashmir issue with India using pragmatic approach with political flexibility and not religious rhetoric and emotionalism.
Once we have put our own house in order, we must embark upon a foreign policy which prioritizes establishment and nurturing of excellent social and trade relations with the neighboring countries using the model of US-Canadian relationship for regional stability and prosperity.
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Jan 23, 2016 12:29pm
@dipak
What matters is who is running the Indian democracy, Gandhis or Modis! :)
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Jan 23, 2016 12:45pm
@Yunus , indian democracy is run by the elected people of this country, not by modi or any militory personnel.what happen. what happen in 1989 . one individual without taking consideration of countrys parliament and also fellow officers attack and what loss country received only will come to know after economy comparision and world opinion.the result is with you sir.world will not forget that misadventure.
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Jan 23, 2016 12:47pm
When will all this end ?
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Jan 23, 2016 12:55pm
@dipak and it was a mature democracy as well that dropped the first nuclear bomb on Japan. So much for "democracy".
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Jan 23, 2016 12:57pm
As long as the west keeps providing arms to India and create imbalance in conventional arms, Pakistan will continue building up its nuclear arsenal (which is what any other country would do to safeguard its borders). The west must either stop selling arms to India or stop discriminating against Pakistan with respect to sale of equally sophisticated conventional weapons.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:01pm
@unknown Indis didn't use it because of its huge superiority in conventional weapons. If you had the weapon during Indo China conflict in 1962, you may well have used it. Do you understand the logic?
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Jan 23, 2016 01:04pm
This all started after BJP/Modi government came to power.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:08pm
@GA You forgot China, Indian neighbor, has been eyeing many parts of India, introduced nuclear in 1961.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:12pm
@Fazal Karim Good idea.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:14pm
This is called fear psychosis.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:17pm
@dipak It was 1999.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:21pm
These nuclear arms will not give victory to Pakistan and India can also effectively reply in case of war. At the end, there will be sever destruction in both and surrounding countries
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Jan 23, 2016 01:23pm
Going through the discussions, I am convinced that neither India nor Pakistan wants confrontation, they will never opt for war on their own, someone will design a war for them. One international report & the two neighbors are already locked at war of words.
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Jan 23, 2016 01:29pm
Whether our people have basic food or not; potable drinking water or not; basic needs of health or not; basic education or not, we essentially need nuclear arms. Nearly or even more than 50% of World's GDP goes only for military and weapons spending. We are in modern World !!!
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Jan 23, 2016 01:33pm
Number of nuclear bombs dosn't make any country powerful.
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Jan 23, 2016 02:06pm
@Rajan These points were in random order. Education & Economy is, as I stated, the most important point.
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Jan 23, 2016 02:51pm
The more Pakistan will be scared by the west and India the more nuclear defence it will develop, anyway America and the west can improve this situation by easing their interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan....Only China will help because it is seriously interested in peace in this area ...
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Jan 23, 2016 03:32pm
@Rahul . Like how they took more than 4 days to clear the Pathankot base.
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Jan 23, 2016 04:28pm
“a radical takeover of the Pakistani government or diversion of material or technology by personnel within Pakistan’s nuclear complex”
If the so called radical take over which got support of Pakistani nation comes to reality, looking at how so called liberals have tried their best to loot, plunder and destroy the country from within, then it will happen come what may. It's non of any one business from outside. After all, radical take over of India didn't make nukes flying in all directions.
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Jan 23, 2016 04:30pm
@Masoud: Good point, I think both the community should try to identify our common great friend. There is a saying (translation) Whether a dead man goes to heaven or hell what it is to me, I only care about my benefits of flower sale.
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Jan 23, 2016 07:58pm
@Khwarezmi You forgot Aircraft Carrier.
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Jan 23, 2016 08:21pm
India has to stop running to US for every little thing about Pakistan. It's getting quite annoying. If you really worry about pakistan than why not make deal with Pakistan itself to decrease nukes to prove your not threat to pakistan. The conclusion is both countries are threaten by each other.
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Jan 23, 2016 08:45pm
After both countries got nuclear, Kashmir issue got solved automatically. Can we move forward please.
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Jan 23, 2016 08:54pm
@Dipak
Repeated proposals by Pakistan for declaring South Asia a nuclear free zone; strengthened democracy acknowleged by the world, convergence and improved relations of world's players towards Pakistan.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:14pm
@Dipak, just like no "first use of force" against Nepal and Sri Lanka ? and just like no "political and military intervention" in East Bengal ?
India has been so desperate to prove its regional dominance that a country like Pakistan do need such measures to protect itself...
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Jan 23, 2016 09:57pm
@Bajrangi Bhaijaan ...Pakistan's priorities are different because it have borders with India.
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Jan 23, 2016 09:58pm
@AKKS The reactor was provided by Canada. Want to know more?
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Jan 23, 2016 10:18pm
@Awais Ali China. India's all defence spending will be China centric going forward.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:54pm
The biggest threat to Pakistan is currently not from India, but from within its own population and Afghanistan which are hotbeds for producing terrorists. Pakistan needs to spend more money on education and reform. Both India and Pakistan need to stop being so paranoid about each other and should focus on poverty eradication, sanitation, healthcare, law and order, energy, etc.
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Jan 23, 2016 10:57pm
"The report notes that India also “continues to expand its nuclear arsenal” but since the report is about Pakistan, it focuses on the Pakistani nuclear programme."
This is new way of justifying hypocrisy.
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Jan 24, 2016 05:42am
Why even make more nuclear bombs when you cant use it ? Instead invest this money education and infrastructure that would help grow our economy, improve human development, strengthen law enforcements etc.. This race in weaponry is the reason why there's hardly any peace. One step can jeopardise everything for everything..
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Jan 24, 2016 05:52am
Regardless of Nukes only independent Kashmir can normalize the whole region!
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Jan 24, 2016 07:32am
@Khwarezmi Oh dear you forgot to mention at-least 10 nuclear Aircraft carriers.
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Jan 24, 2016 09:36am
Now US is trying to provoke both countries by presenting a report to distract focus of both countries from coming on one page (recently there is positive response from both sides).
US plays very smart in creating havoc in Sub-continent region. I don't know when people of these two childish countries learn these!
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Jan 24, 2016 11:24am
@P Setra That is again propaganda by US and its media. Nobody knows how many weapons Pakistan possess as these are speculations by these so-called experts. Yes, it is unfortunate we put much less money on HDI but largest number of poor people on this planet live in India, more than whole Africa.The sheer number is mind boggling and that is after (supposedly) double digit growth economic for the last twent years. I can imagine what India looked like 20 years ago?
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Jan 24, 2016 11:33am
@J.Khan Who would not be? Look around there is never ending war going on our doorstep, first by Soviet and then by US the effect of this war has been devastating. Lucky that we are still in one piece against all odds. Must be something we have done right looking at Iraq, Afghanistan Libya and now Syria.
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Jan 24, 2016 02:30pm
@jamshed we have formidable armed forces and the unbreakable spirit of the pakistani people. That's why the enemy has lost before they even started.
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Jan 25, 2016 12:56pm
PIAs|privatisation a well done step. Now the employees will learn to work honestly
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Jan 25, 2016 11:21pm
@Sr Very true.
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