Example: Ukraine

Lessons need to be learned from fate of Ukraine, which was once the third largest nuclear state. It agreed to surrender this capability in 1994, on assurances of security and economic assistance from nuclear powers including Russia, US and the UK. This cardinal mistake was compounded by the current Ukrainian president’s decision to drive Ukraine towards Nato.

Pakistan too has, in the past, acted as a proxy for external powers to its detriment. In the past, some politicians have also implied that Pakistan could give up its nuclear capability if India were to do the same. History has proven that such assurances cannot be relied upon.

Malik Tariq Ali

Lahore