Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction

Pakistan began developing a nuclear weapons programme in the 1970's but apparently did not conduct its first test until 28 May 1998 when it detonated five separate devices. Momentum for the programe was provided by Indian nuclear tests such as 'Shining Buddha' in 1978. However in 1999 Pakistan signed the Lahore Accords, with India, agreeing a bilateral moratorium on nuclear testing.

Weapons development takes places at Kahuta and Joharabad, where weapons grade plutonium is made; the latter allegedly with the assistance of Chinese technology. Estimates usually put Pakistan's nuclear deterrent at around 40 HEU (highly enriched uranium) warheads.

In 2002 Pakistan was accused of supplying nuclear technology to North Korea, an allegation which its military leader Pervez Musharraf admitted and caused the suspension of Pakistan's chief nuclear scientist.

However Pakistan is not a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore cannot technically be in breach of it. Pakistan's ratification of the treaty would require the dismantling of its nuclear programme.