What Was Done By USA When Pakistan Tested His Nuclear Devices In May 1998?

Relations between Pakistan and the USA took another turn in 1998. India chose to come out of the nuclear closet by exploding five nuclear devices in April 1998. Once again, Pakistan was in a no win situation i.e. if it remained quiet, India would become even more belligerent, indeed, shortly after the explosions, aggressive comments were openly passed by the Indian government; on the other hand, there was immense pressure for Pakistan not to follow suit. The President of the USA, Mr. Bill Clinton, contacted the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Nawaz Sharif five times, asking him not to respond in kind. The overall conditions in the region demanded an appropriate response.

Thus Pakistan also bared its teeth on 28th May 1998. Immediately, sanctions were imposed on Pakistan. These included controls on all forms of aid. Reconsideration of these sanctions became necessary as there was a general fear that Pakistan would export its nuclear technology. After negotiations, some concessions have been worked out. Pakistan has been urged to sign the CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) together with India. In-built clauses give Pakistan the option to back out if its security is threatened.

While it is generally accepted that Pakistan will eventually sign the treaty, a consensus of opinion amongst the public is not yet forthcoming. The major concern of the F-16 issue has been solved through negotiations. According to these negotiations, Pakistan will get wheat worth US $ 150 Million over a period of years, while the remaining amount will be reimbursed. This will be made possible through the sale of F-16s to a third party.

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