Indus Pakistan
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This BBC Panorama Documentary was broadcast on the 16th of June 1980. Project 706 was the codeword for the Pakistani atom bomb project.
I saw this first when I was a young man. I still remember my dad being excited. Watching this again I cannot but help be impressed. Many times I just I lose hope in this country called Pakistan. But watching this proves that when Pakistani's get their act togather nothing is impossible.
How the hell did a poor, undeveloped country like Pakistan under the very nose of the West and with a hostile, loud, huge, oversized Goliath on our east manage to pull this off in less than eight years? This was a stupendous achievement and there is no doubt about this. More than the bomb this proved that what we as a people are capable of. If you watch the documantary at one point they mention that the Westerner's were so laid back ( don't forget this is 1970s ) as they looked on their ex colony as ignorant brown people who possibly could not have the brains to figure out anything let alone make use of the high tec stuff our people bought in the West. They actually thought it would rust away. Boy did they not get a shock.
I would like to give credit for the atom bomb. In doing so I am going to ignore politics, ethnic groups or religion. These are the vices that weaken us Pakistani and will prevent Pakistan moving to a future that she justly deserves. I am a strong believer that power comes out of the barrrel of the gun and the only language the world understands. Go look at Iraq, Syria and how Iran is is being bullied right now. The weak do not inherit the earth contrary to what the Christian bible peaches. The almost extinct native peoples of Americas, Australia and enslaving of Africa dispels that notion.
I feel we need to cut back on our regular forces and instead focus on more potent nuclear strike worse that gives all our antagnists jeepers creepers and sleepless nights. I would also love to see in the future a day where we extend our nuclear protection to our Muslim brothers on the West. I am frankly sick of the West throwing it's weight about and then walk away with a arrogant attitude. The destruction of Middle East in our times is evidence of that and then having created mass migrant problem look on with air of indiferance and superiority. We must though regard our nuclear assets as purely defensive and never post it as offensive threat.
Humans are not perfect. Even great leaders will have annoying sides to their character. Most will have made terrible mistakes but then went on to do great and good. However whatever wrongs they did the good should never be forgotten. Here is my list in order for the credit of the Pakistan bomb. Every Pakistani should keep these men in their minds.
(i) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto - There is no doubt about him being top on the list. ZAB initiated the project in 1972. We all know about the " eat grass story". He was the impetus behind it. If anybody deserves to be called "father of Pakistani bomb" it should ZAB. He had the vision, the decisiveness and political courage to make the vision real.
(ii) Prof. Abdus Salam and Munir Ahmed Khan - In my book both share the second slot. Prof. Salam for having laid the seeds of intellectuel assets back in 1950s and 1960s. Structures like PINSTECH were to become nurseries that hatched the nuclear know how. When Bhutto made the call for the bomb in 1972 Pakistan had the neccessary human resources to answer that call. If this had not been the case even Gaddafi could have built the bomb. After all he had the money. The differance was by 1970s Pakistan had the scientists to do the job. Prof. Salam had enabled the creation of this pool by his efforts as early as 1950s. Prof. Salam had pushed President Ayub Khan in 1960s.
Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Abdus Salam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Munir Ahmad Khan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Munir Ahmed Khan also gets the same credit. He provided a steady firm hand in giving this herculean project going through to fruition. Under him was nourished countless scientists who would work for years towards the final goal.
(iii) Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan - He also gets his credit for getting the centrifuges to Pakistan. I know he did some silly things later but nothing can detract from his role. Although I don't like his lust for glory and claming every as his credit.
(iv) The unknown - All the thousands that worked tirelessly to make this possible. Their names will never be known. Many took risks such as our point man in Paris Embassy Mr Butt. These people working in Europe on a clanestine project could have been arrested or worse killed as happens in the murky and dirty world of international politics. Making a bomb like this is above all a team effort. It takes thousands of people all with differant set of skills to work togather over years to make it possible. So let us spare some thought to these unkown faces.
Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ps. I would just clarify this with few thoughts. AQKhan did terrible things later on. He also in my view was to eager to claim the entire credit for the bomb onto himself. That shows lack of integrity and character. Great men let truth speak not do everything to embellish their name. Humility is virtue that AQ could have learnt. However much as I don't like him I cannot ignore what he did. I said nobody is perfect thus he makes into his rightful position. We see in Munir Akram the opposite. A humble man who just got on with the job instead of seeking publicity.
I also would like to mention Prof. Abdus Salam. The only man who blessed Pakistan with a Nobel prize in science. How can we overlook this guy? The history of the Pakistani Atom project exposes all what is great about us but also what is ugly about us. We need to learn from this and make amends for this.
The other thing that shocks me is the speed with which our boy's did this in. The project was initiated in 1972 and end of 1970s was heading for cold test. The BBC documentary was aired in summer 1980 and soon after the bomb was "cold tested".
"Kissinger waited for a while and said in a cultured tone "I have not come to advise you, USA has various reservations about Pakistan's atom programme, therefore yopu have no way out, except agreeing to what I say" Bhutto smiled and asked "suppose if I refuse then what?" Henry Kissinger become deadly serious.
He locked his eyes on Bhutto and said "then we will make a horrible example of you" Bhutto's face flushed. He stood up and extended his hand towards Kissinger and said "Pakistan can live without the US President, now your people will have to find another ally in the region" Bhutto then turned around and walked out.
The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power - Tariq Ali - Google Books
This should also sober up those who go around trying to raise concerns about our bomb. We have now had it for almost 40 years. That is long time so no rubbish about "Pakistan nukes" please. We have had the capability now for almost four decades so they will stay safe thanks. Yes, you never know ,anything can happen but that is also applicable to USA, Russia, UK, China, France, India or Isreal. The following statement by US State department I think sums it up nicely.
"The United States is confident that the Government of Pakistan is well aware of its responsibilities and has secured its nuclear arsenal accordingly. While there is room for improvement in the security of any country’s nuclear programs, Pakistan has a professional and dedicated security force that fully understands the importance of nuclear security"
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson,
US Department of State,
Washington, DC
September 4, 2013
Pakistan Nuclear Security
Finally I would like to add my firmly held suspicion. I believe that by 1975 United States had become aware of Bhutto's atom bom project and America had decided to take out Bhutto by any means at their disposal. The threat given to Bhutto by Henry Kissinger in 1976 "we will make a horrible example of you!” was not some empty threat. It was a deadly threat by a superpower.
"Kissinger waited for a while and said in a cultured tone "I have not come to advise you, USA has various reservations about Pakistan's atom programme, therefore yopu have no way out, except agreeing to what I say" Bhutto smiled and asked "suppose if I refuse then what?" Henry Kissinger become deadly serious.
He locked his eyes on Bhutto and said " then we will make a horrible example of you" Bhutto's face flushed. He stood up and extended his hand towards Kissinger and said "Pakistan can live without the US President, now your people will have to find another ally in the region" Bhutto then turned around and walked out.
I believe Bhuttos's refusal to buckle to threats would lead his overthrow by Gen. Zia. It is possible and we will never know but it is possible that Gen. Zia was a stooge of America. At any rate the threat by Kissinger was signed, sealed and delivered when Bhutto was hanged. We have cases like Dr. Mossadegh government in Iran being overthrown by CIA organized coup.
One day despite all their flaws I hope in Islamabad they erect the statues of ZAB, Abdus Salam, Munir Akram and AQKhan. Heroes are never perfect.
The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power - Tariq Ali - Google Books
Operation Boot - Overthrow of Dr Mossadeg by CIA - 1953 Iranian coup d'état - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I saw this first when I was a young man. I still remember my dad being excited. Watching this again I cannot but help be impressed. Many times I just I lose hope in this country called Pakistan. But watching this proves that when Pakistani's get their act togather nothing is impossible.
How the hell did a poor, undeveloped country like Pakistan under the very nose of the West and with a hostile, loud, huge, oversized Goliath on our east manage to pull this off in less than eight years? This was a stupendous achievement and there is no doubt about this. More than the bomb this proved that what we as a people are capable of. If you watch the documantary at one point they mention that the Westerner's were so laid back ( don't forget this is 1970s ) as they looked on their ex colony as ignorant brown people who possibly could not have the brains to figure out anything let alone make use of the high tec stuff our people bought in the West. They actually thought it would rust away. Boy did they not get a shock.
I would like to give credit for the atom bomb. In doing so I am going to ignore politics, ethnic groups or religion. These are the vices that weaken us Pakistani and will prevent Pakistan moving to a future that she justly deserves. I am a strong believer that power comes out of the barrrel of the gun and the only language the world understands. Go look at Iraq, Syria and how Iran is is being bullied right now. The weak do not inherit the earth contrary to what the Christian bible peaches. The almost extinct native peoples of Americas, Australia and enslaving of Africa dispels that notion.
I feel we need to cut back on our regular forces and instead focus on more potent nuclear strike worse that gives all our antagnists jeepers creepers and sleepless nights. I would also love to see in the future a day where we extend our nuclear protection to our Muslim brothers on the West. I am frankly sick of the West throwing it's weight about and then walk away with a arrogant attitude. The destruction of Middle East in our times is evidence of that and then having created mass migrant problem look on with air of indiferance and superiority. We must though regard our nuclear assets as purely defensive and never post it as offensive threat.
Humans are not perfect. Even great leaders will have annoying sides to their character. Most will have made terrible mistakes but then went on to do great and good. However whatever wrongs they did the good should never be forgotten. Here is my list in order for the credit of the Pakistan bomb. Every Pakistani should keep these men in their minds.
(i) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto - There is no doubt about him being top on the list. ZAB initiated the project in 1972. We all know about the " eat grass story". He was the impetus behind it. If anybody deserves to be called "father of Pakistani bomb" it should ZAB. He had the vision, the decisiveness and political courage to make the vision real.
(ii) Prof. Abdus Salam and Munir Ahmed Khan - In my book both share the second slot. Prof. Salam for having laid the seeds of intellectuel assets back in 1950s and 1960s. Structures like PINSTECH were to become nurseries that hatched the nuclear know how. When Bhutto made the call for the bomb in 1972 Pakistan had the neccessary human resources to answer that call. If this had not been the case even Gaddafi could have built the bomb. After all he had the money. The differance was by 1970s Pakistan had the scientists to do the job. Prof. Salam had enabled the creation of this pool by his efforts as early as 1950s. Prof. Salam had pushed President Ayub Khan in 1960s.
Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Abdus Salam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Munir Ahmad Khan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Munir Ahmed Khan also gets the same credit. He provided a steady firm hand in giving this herculean project going through to fruition. Under him was nourished countless scientists who would work for years towards the final goal.
(iii) Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan - He also gets his credit for getting the centrifuges to Pakistan. I know he did some silly things later but nothing can detract from his role. Although I don't like his lust for glory and claming every as his credit.
(iv) The unknown - All the thousands that worked tirelessly to make this possible. Their names will never be known. Many took risks such as our point man in Paris Embassy Mr Butt. These people working in Europe on a clanestine project could have been arrested or worse killed as happens in the murky and dirty world of international politics. Making a bomb like this is above all a team effort. It takes thousands of people all with differant set of skills to work togather over years to make it possible. So let us spare some thought to these unkown faces.
Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ps. I would just clarify this with few thoughts. AQKhan did terrible things later on. He also in my view was to eager to claim the entire credit for the bomb onto himself. That shows lack of integrity and character. Great men let truth speak not do everything to embellish their name. Humility is virtue that AQ could have learnt. However much as I don't like him I cannot ignore what he did. I said nobody is perfect thus he makes into his rightful position. We see in Munir Akram the opposite. A humble man who just got on with the job instead of seeking publicity.
I also would like to mention Prof. Abdus Salam. The only man who blessed Pakistan with a Nobel prize in science. How can we overlook this guy? The history of the Pakistani Atom project exposes all what is great about us but also what is ugly about us. We need to learn from this and make amends for this.
The other thing that shocks me is the speed with which our boy's did this in. The project was initiated in 1972 and end of 1970s was heading for cold test. The BBC documentary was aired in summer 1980 and soon after the bomb was "cold tested".
"Kissinger waited for a while and said in a cultured tone "I have not come to advise you, USA has various reservations about Pakistan's atom programme, therefore yopu have no way out, except agreeing to what I say" Bhutto smiled and asked "suppose if I refuse then what?" Henry Kissinger become deadly serious.
He locked his eyes on Bhutto and said "then we will make a horrible example of you" Bhutto's face flushed. He stood up and extended his hand towards Kissinger and said "Pakistan can live without the US President, now your people will have to find another ally in the region" Bhutto then turned around and walked out.
The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power - Tariq Ali - Google Books
This should also sober up those who go around trying to raise concerns about our bomb. We have now had it for almost 40 years. That is long time so no rubbish about "Pakistan nukes" please. We have had the capability now for almost four decades so they will stay safe thanks. Yes, you never know ,anything can happen but that is also applicable to USA, Russia, UK, China, France, India or Isreal. The following statement by US State department I think sums it up nicely.
"The United States is confident that the Government of Pakistan is well aware of its responsibilities and has secured its nuclear arsenal accordingly. While there is room for improvement in the security of any country’s nuclear programs, Pakistan has a professional and dedicated security force that fully understands the importance of nuclear security"
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson,
US Department of State,
Washington, DC
September 4, 2013
Pakistan Nuclear Security
Finally I would like to add my firmly held suspicion. I believe that by 1975 United States had become aware of Bhutto's atom bom project and America had decided to take out Bhutto by any means at their disposal. The threat given to Bhutto by Henry Kissinger in 1976 "we will make a horrible example of you!” was not some empty threat. It was a deadly threat by a superpower.
"Kissinger waited for a while and said in a cultured tone "I have not come to advise you, USA has various reservations about Pakistan's atom programme, therefore yopu have no way out, except agreeing to what I say" Bhutto smiled and asked "suppose if I refuse then what?" Henry Kissinger become deadly serious.
He locked his eyes on Bhutto and said " then we will make a horrible example of you" Bhutto's face flushed. He stood up and extended his hand towards Kissinger and said "Pakistan can live without the US President, now your people will have to find another ally in the region" Bhutto then turned around and walked out.
I believe Bhuttos's refusal to buckle to threats would lead his overthrow by Gen. Zia. It is possible and we will never know but it is possible that Gen. Zia was a stooge of America. At any rate the threat by Kissinger was signed, sealed and delivered when Bhutto was hanged. We have cases like Dr. Mossadegh government in Iran being overthrown by CIA organized coup.
One day despite all their flaws I hope in Islamabad they erect the statues of ZAB, Abdus Salam, Munir Akram and AQKhan. Heroes are never perfect.
The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power - Tariq Ali - Google Books
Operation Boot - Overthrow of Dr Mossadeg by CIA - 1953 Iranian coup d'état - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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