Indo-Pak Conflict, Nuclear Tests, and the Struggle for Balance

When the British quit the Indian subcontinent in the late 1800s, they left behind an unending source of war, i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, between its successor states, i.e. Pakistan as well as India, in an attempt to keep an eye on any potential rivals and prevent their potential to become a reality. This is the reason that drove the entire history of the Indo-Pak subcontinent to a state of perpetual conflict, growing into various forms at various periods. It was the leading cause of three major wars between India and Pakistan, i.e. 1948, 1968and Kargil War, and Kargil affected the economy of the participating nations and had long-lasting effects on their psychological well-being and added to their security problems. Rather than formulating their own domestic and foreign policies in line with their specific needs, both states develop their policies to fall into the same traps. The entire motivation behind this conflict was India's desire to be the sole South-Asian power and Pakistan's fight to create a proper power equilibrium. entire India-Pakistan conflict was the nuclear test in 1998.

The motives that led Pakistan to conduct tests on its nuclear devices must be examined to determine the real motives and tenacity of the whole process. The primary reason is the security issue was intentionally injected into the foundations of the Pakistani nation by the establishment of the country and, consequently, caused Pakistan to be aggressive in its attitude. There is no doubt that India was always an imminent threat to Pakistan because it had a more incredible arsenal of military weapons than Pakistan; in addition, its military was always equipped with the latest technology. Technically, Pakistan had always needed to be more secure.

The other major cause was the failure of democracy in Pakistan. It needed the military's support whenever it was elected to power; therefore, it has always been the primary driver of the country's development. Because defence was always the main issue for the nation, the military successfully exploited the situation and did everything it could to keep the tensions at bay. The military put its weight on nuclear testing.

On 11 11 May 1998, India tested five of its nuclear weapons, which placed Pakistan in a difficult situation as there was no criticism of India's provocative action by the global community. All states that were proponents of non-proliferation in weaponry and technology remained unaffected by India's call. The silence of the great powers and the growing threats to Pakistan's security raised concerns among the population, and the democratically elected government was forced to make a choice other than to consider the opinions of the public. However, it was not just public pressure; the military was also inclined towards nuclear tests. PPP Benazir, the leader of the PPP, even although she claimed to be a liberal politician, took advantage of and blackmailed the government, asking to resign if it had been unable to conduct nuclear tests. U.S.A's president Clinton with whom she was in a "personal" relationship with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, used his official and personal influence to persuade Nawaz Sharif and even offered charming concessions to modify the decision. However, Sharif could not put his life and security on the line, and despite all dangers and temptations, the nuclear tests were conducted on 28 May 1998.of May 1998.

The tests were closely followed by the economic, social and psychological effects on one side and a continuation of the tense relationship between Pakistan and India and India on the contrary. On the economic front, Pakistan had to face embargos and sanctions. However, India was also required to be liable for the exact cost, this price was attainable and sensible in light of the enormous Indian economy, but for Pakistan's poor and struggling economy, it was a severe loss. Clinton declared that Pakistan had missed out on a fantastic opportunity due to its lack of the necessary restraint.

The main goal of the testing was to prevent India from taking drastic measures. The tests certainly lifted the morale of defence forces and the entire nation. Still, they also sparked their daydreamers of being able to humiliate India quickly by retaliating against the attacks of India successfully. The statistics regarding Indian defence capabilities provided abundant proof that the perception of Pakistan regarding India's defensive and offensive capabilities was an illusion. It is possible to visualize the difference between Pakistan's and India's defence capabilities by comparing their naval and territorial forces. India was home to an estimated 1.1 million troops in its territorial Army and hundreds of naval bases.

In contrast, Pakistan had only half a million soldiers and a single naval base. Additionally, much of the Pakistan army was stationed on their Western frontier. Another difference in economics between the two states. India can facilitate its military for a longer time when compared to its competitor state.

Regarding social effects, the success of testing nuclear weapons put the country at ease, and the people became daydreamers. Instead of bolstering the institutions of their country, they were part of an army coup, and Pakistan was once more an army-run state. The dictator further intensified the tense international and political relations with India, and the hope for a more positive relationship with India was gone. While India continued to improve its capability and efficiency in terms of technological and economic fields, the Pakistani nation put all its resources into nurturing hatred towards the Indians. Politicians manipulated the issue of Indian rivalry to meet their short-term goals of gaining power. Once the democratically elected government was restored, the situation was in chaos. The idealist Pakistani country was prepared to make peace with the Indian state of India no matter what, and the state continued on the road of decline and degeneration. The Army grew more potent than ever, and political leaders lost their confidence.

At present, the entire nation is happy to be nuclear power. It is not determined to attain moral status in any other area. The state is amid an energy crisis, damaging its weak industry—law and order in doubt. The freedom movement and foreign intervention are at their highest. Inequality and poverty are causing individuals to migrate or end their lives. This is not due to the results of nuclear testing but because of the mental satisfaction from nuclear testing. It's a tragedy that Pakistan cannot formulate liberated domestic and foreign policies that align with its requirements despite being a nuclear power. It's ironic to find a nuclear-powered nation is currently facing an energy crisis!