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Pakistan Tests Nukes
May 28, 1998
- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced today that his nation had conducted five nuclear tests in response to the five explosions carried out by India two weeks ago. Pakistani officials also said their country was now ready to mount nuclear warheads on a newly-tested long-range missile, claiming the nation could defend itself against any threat.
- The United States and other nations had urged Pakistan to refrain from nuclear testing, and international condemnation of the blasts has been swift. U.S. President Bill Clinton denounced the explosions and said he has no choice but to impose sanctions against Pakistan. Clinton acknowledged that Pakistan was not the first to test nuclear devices in the region, but he chastised the nation for responding to India's actions saying, "Two wrongs don't make a right."
- Clinton also urged both India and Pakistan to renounce further tests in order to reverse the arms race. "I cannot believe we are about to start the 21st century by having the Indian subcontinent repeat the worst mistakes of the 20th century when we know it is not necessary to peace, to security, to prosperity, to national greatness or national fulfillment," Clinton said.
- India and Pakistan have fought three wars since the two nations gained independence from Britain in 1947. They came close to a fourth confrontation in 1990 over the disputed region of Kashmir, which is claimed by both countries.
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