Pakistan's Nuclear Security Reforms Show Promise Amid Chaos

The assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan has sparked concerns about the country's nuclear security. However, a recent study by the Arms Control Association has found that reforms instituted in the past decade are working to prevent Pakistan's nuclear arsenal from falling into the wrong hands. The study's findings are a positive note amidst the chaos, and they highlight the establishment of a robust command and control system, physical and operational safeguards, and a process called permissive action links that requires multiple people to agree before a weapon can be launched.

Key Takeaways:

• The Arms Control Association's nine-month study of Pakistan's nuclear security found that while Pakistan may not have achieved total custodial control, there is still a measure of assurance that reforms are working.
• The study concluded that a robust command and control system has been established, making it impossible for an average scientist like A.Q. Khan to sell nuclear know-how to Iran or Libya.
• Tightened security clearance has been implemented to prevent sensitive information from being shared with individuals like Osama bin Laden.
• Physical and operational safeguards are in place, including the separation of warheads from lever systems and the implementation of double parameters surrounding every nuclear site.
• A process called permissive action links requires two or three different people with knowledge of a code to agree before a weapon can be launched.
• The report identified 10 senior officials who are fully competent to take responsibility for nuclear sites, but raised concerns about possible disaffection within the army.
• The report concluded that nuclear facilities have been secure throughout the crisis, providing a measure of assurance that the system is working.

Statistics:

• Nine months: The duration of the Arms Control Association's study of Pakistan's nuclear security.
• 10: The number of senior officials identified as fully competent to take responsibility for nuclear sites.
• 8th of January: The date originally designated for the national election in Pakistan.
• 20 years: The speculated duration of A.Q. Khan's involvement in nuclear proliferation.
• 12 years: The length of time since the establishment of the command and control system in Pakistan.

Sources:

• NPR (radio broadcast) - no date provided
• "Pakistan's Nuclear Security: A Nine-Month Study" - Arms Control Association (no publication date provided)