How Pakistan Stole Nuclear B*mb Technology? | Professor Of How

Summary

This video delves into the nuclear history of India and Pakistan, focusing on key events like India’s 1998 nuclear tests and Pakistan’s subsequent response. It highlights the role of A.Q. Khan in Pakistan’s nuclear program and his controversial involvement in nuclear proliferation. The script also explores the global nuclear balance, comparing the capabilities of countries like Russia, the U.S., India, and Pakistan. The video concludes by discussing North Korea's nuclear threat and the implications of their unpredictable leadership. Overall, it sheds light on the complexities of nuclear power in South Asia and the global stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 India conducted its second nuclear test in 1998, prompting Pakistan to follow suit and test its own nuclear capability later that year in May 1998.
• 😀 Pakistan's nuclear development was framed as a response to India's nuclear advancements, with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan taking responsibility for Pakistan's nuclear capabilities.
• 😀 Dr. Khan's actions led to the creation of the 'Islamic Bomb' and Pakistan became the first Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons.
• 😀 Pakistan’s nuclear program was controversial, with Dr. Khan later being accused of selling nuclear technology to countries like North Korea, Libya, and Iran.
• 😀 Despite the allegations, Dr. Khan was hailed as a national hero in Pakistan for giving the country nuclear power, even receiving two top civilian awards.
• 😀 Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal includes only atomic bombs, while India possesses both atomic and hydrogen bombs, with a proven thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) capability.
• 😀 India’s 1998 Pokhran II tests included five nuclear devices, one of which was a thermonuclear bomb, although there was some skepticism about its full success.
• 😀 India’s nuclear capability is more advanced due to its possession of hydrogen bombs, which are 100 times more powerful than atomic bombs.
• 😀 Globally, there are about 12,400 nuclear warheads, with the majority (90%) held by Russia and the United States, followed by smaller arsenals in other countries.
• 😀 Despite North Korea having a smaller number of nuclear warheads (50), it is considered a major threat due to its unpredictable leadership and potential for using nuclear weapons recklessly.

Q & A

What led to Pakistan's decision to conduct its first nuclear test in 1998?

Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test in 1998 after India performed its second nuclear test, leading Pakistan to feel the need to demonstrate that it too had nuclear capabilities.

What was Dr. A.Q. Khan's claim about Pakistan's nuclear program?

Dr. A.Q. Khan claimed that Pakistan did not initially want nuclear weapons, but was forced to develop them due to India's nuclear ambitions.

What is the significance of the term 'Islamic bomb' in relation to Pakistan's nuclear tests?

The term 'Islamic bomb' was coined by Western countries to describe Pakistan's nuclear weapons, as it was the first Muslim-majority nation to possess nuclear bombs.

How did Dr. A.Q. Khan's reputation change after Pakistan's nuclear tests?

Dr. A.Q. Khan became a national hero in Pakistan, credited with making the country a nuclear power, though his later involvement in selling nuclear technology to other nations tarnished his reputation.

What was the impact of A.Q. Khan's nuclear technology proliferation?

A.Q. Khan's illegal sale of nuclear technology to countries like North Korea, Libya, and Iran contributed significantly to nuclear proliferation, making him a controversial figure globally.

What political role did A.Q. Khan try to take on after his nuclear work?

In 2012, A.Q. Khan formed a political party called Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan, aiming to gain support based on his popularity, but the party failed in the 2013 elections and was dissolved within a year.

How do India's and Pakistan's nuclear arsenals compare?

India possesses 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170. However, India has thermonuclear (hydrogen) bombs, while Pakistan only has atomic bombs, giving India a technological edge in nuclear capabilities.

What is the difference between an atomic bomb and a hydrogen bomb?

A hydrogen bomb, also known as a thermonuclear bomb, is significantly more powerful than an atomic bomb, with a yield that can be up to 100 times stronger.

How successful was India's hydrogen bomb test in 1998?

India's hydrogen bomb test in 1998 was claimed to be successful by scientists like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, but some independent scientists, including Dr. Santanam, raised doubts, stating that the bomb's yield was lower than expected.

What is the global distribution of nuclear warheads among countries?

Globally, there are about 12,400 nuclear warheads, with Russia and the USA holding around 90% of them. Russia has 5,580, the USA has 5,225, followed by China (600), France (290), the UK (225), India (172), Pakistan (170), Israel (90), and North Korea (50).