Greater understanding of nuclear issues crucial, says expert.

There is a need for the intelligentsia and political elites to develop a greater understanding of nuclear issues, said Dr. Naeem Ahmad Salik, Executive Director of Strategic Vision Institute (SVI) at a conference held by SVI and the Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies (FASS) at Air University, Islamabad.

In response to a question about the 'imaginary Indian threat', Dr. Salik referred to the aggressive rhetoric often employed by Indian policymakers about occupying parts of Azad Kashmir and added that Pakistan faces a real threat from India with whom it has fought three wars and numerous border skirmishes.

Dr. Salik further said that the introduction of nuclear deterrence has prevented wars between India and Pakistan. He underscored the French concept of 'proportionate deterrence' and added that as illustrated by the French case, nuclear deterrence can also contribute towards avoiding the arms race between nuclear weapons states.

Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Professor at Quaid-e-Azam University said that India is entering into partnerships with technologically advanced countries, like the USA and Israel, which would adversely impact strategic stability in South Asia. He added that the real challenge emanates from India's unilateral pursuance of disruptive technologies, which is widening the gap between India...