Pakistan Security Research Unit (PSRU) Brief Number 22
The Security of Nuclear Weapons in Pakistan
Professor Shaun Gregory Department of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford
First published 18th November 2007. Reproduced with permission of author to illustrate address to U K Defence Forum 7 July 2008. All rights reserved. See foot of article for more information.
Introduction
Pakistan is once again in crisis following the declaration of a state of emergency on the night of 3rd November 2007, as political unrest spreads, tensions within the armed forces and security services grow, and terrorist/extremist groups increase their violent opposition to the state. In this turbulent context the situation of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, numbered as many as 120 by some sources, is of the utmost concern given the incalculable consequences if nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons components came into the hands of extremists/terrorists or, just possibly, of renegade Pakistani military personnel motivated by antipathy to the West. This briefing paper assesses the measures Pakistan has in place to ensure the security of its nuclear weapons and the threat posed to that security by the deteriorating situation in Pakistan.