PAKISTAN’S President Asif Ali Zardari has sparked controversy by announcing a “no first strike” nuclear war policy before an audience in New Delhi, reversing his country’s historical position on the issue.
As doubts were expressed that the policy articulated by Mr Zardari – to the delight of his Indian audience – had the support of his country’s powerful military, which controls its nuclear warheads, some commentators said they believed the President was “not fully informed or completely aware of” Pakistan’s policy on the issue.
The controversy erupted as Pakistan’s top spy agency, the ISI, disbanded its “dirty tricks” political wing, which was used by successive military dictators to maintain themselves in power.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the closure of the political wing was a positive development for democracy.
Addressing a conference in New Delhi by video, Mr Zardari, in answer to a question, contradicted Pakistan’s long-standing policy on nuclear weapons.
“We will most certainly not use it first,” he said.
“I don’t agree to nuclear weapons. I hope we never get to that position.
“I am against nuclear warfare altogether.” India has been a strong advocate of the “no first strike” policy on nuclear missiles, but previous Pakistani leaders have opposed such a stance.
Military analyst Lieutenant General Kamal Matinuddin said Mr Zardari’s remarks appeared to have been made off the cuff, and that he did not appear to be fully informed on the issue. He emphasised that Pakistan had always retained the “first strike” option because of its open borders and its status as a smaller nuclear power.
Retired Pakistani general and military analyst Talat Masood was quoted as saying last night: “Even if (Mr Zardari) was not fully familiar with the nuclear vocabulary, what he possibly meant was that there has to be a nuclear restraint regime between the two countries.
“It shows he is persistent in his efforts to make peace with India, and it is in line with his overall vision for relations with India.”
