000			01760cam a2200157 4500
100	1		_aZEB Rizwan
245			_aPakistan's nuclear weapons: _bhow safe is safe enough? Transparency versus opacity / _cRizwan Zeb
260			_c2014
520			_aDue to expanding and increasing religious extremism and terrorism coupled with political instability in Pakistan, most western observers believe that Pakistan's nuclear weapons are not secure and could be taken over by terrorists. This would have adverse implications for the region and for global peace, especially for the security of USA and Europe. This article argues that this perception is based on a flawed understanding and knowledge of how Pakistan's command and control setup has evolved and operates. Pakistan's nuclear weapons are as safe as any other state's nuclear weapons. Pakistan has also been active in supporting and participating in global efforts to improve nuclear safety and security. Over the years, Pakistan has been quite open in sharing information regarding how it is improving its command and control system with western governments as well as scholars. This article argues that the steps Pakistan has taken to secure its nuclear weapons are adequate and that Pakistan would continue to further strengthen these measures; however it is the expanding religious extremism, terrorism and anti-Americanism in the country which make the international perception of Pakistan extremely negative.
650			_aNUCLEAR WEAPONS
650			_aPAKISTAN _xSECURITY
773			_aDefense & Security Analysis: _gVol.30 No.3 2014, pp.230-244 (94)
598			_aPAKISTAN
856			_uhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14751798.2014.925640 _Click here to view the full article
945			_i44603-1001 _rN _sY
999			_c29205 _d29205