Pakistan’s no-nuke voices work to be heardーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts:

• Nuclear Weapons
• India-Pakistan Relations
• Kashmir Dispute
• Nuclear Arsenal
• Atomic Bombings (Hiroshima and Nagasaki)
• Nuclear Disarmament
• National Command Authority (Pakistan)
• Artistic Interpretation of War
• Diplomatic Solutions

Nuclear Tensions and Artistic Expression in Pakistan

Six months after tit-for-tat exchanges between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan in disputed Kashmir, fears of a nuclear escalation were palpable. These anxieties were amplified when Pakistan reportedly convened an emergency meeting of its National Command Authority, the body responsible for overseeing its nuclear arsenal.

Despite the prevailing tensions, some voices in Pakistan continue to advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons. An exhibition in Islamabad showcased an artist's interpretation of the horrors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The exhibition featured a sculpture of a screaming face and a painting depicting the sky at the moment of an atomic bomb's detonation. Noted painter and sculptor Basil Akmar, who spent seven years on this series, was inspired by the September 11th attacks in 2001, which prompted him to research the global history of war and the atomic bombings in Japan. Akmar's message to the world is to "get together and uh live peacefully."

National Pride and Nuclear Activism

While some Pakistanis call for the abolition of nuclear weapons, the majority support their country's nuclear stance. This support is largely attributed to the ongoing tension with India. India's nuclear tests of advanced weapon designs preceded Pakistan's response, with Pakistan soon conducting its own tests. Pakistan takes pride in being the first nuclear-armed state among Islamic-majority countries and even designated its first nuclear test as a national holiday.

This national pride and the underlying geopolitical tensions motivate nuclear physicist and activist Pervez Hoodbhoy. His views on the risks of nuclear weapons began to form around 1969 while he was studying physics in the US. He was struck by the emotional struggles of the scientists involved in developing the atomic bomb, noting, "These were very smart people. But these were also the people who regretted what they had done because when they saw the scale of devastation in in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they said this is not the way that people should go." Hoodbhoy has consistently raised his voice against the nuclear threat through global media, even amidst online criticism labeling him a "traitor."

Commemoration and Advocacy for Disarmament

To mark the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Hoodbhoy organized an event highlighting the threat of nuclear weapons. He stated, "I believe nuclear weapons are a huge curse because they have the potential to destroy humanity. If they were to be used today, it would be nothing compared with Hiroshima and Nagasaki." While many participants at the event adhered to their country's nuclear policy, Hoodbhoy also found supporters. These supporters emphasized the need for countries to "find a diplomatic solution and ensure that the tragedies that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not repeated." Individuals like Hoodbhoy have dedicated themselves to reminding Pakistanis, Indians, and the global community of the urgent need to oppose nuclear weapons.

Conclusion

The transcript highlights a complex interplay of national pride, geopolitical tensions, and a persistent call for nuclear disarmament in Pakistan. While the country celebrates its nuclear capabilities, fueled by its rivalry with India, a segment of its population, including prominent activists and artists, actively campaigns against the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. The legacy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings serves as a stark reminder of the devastating potential of these weapons, driving efforts to promote peaceful resolutions and prevent future humanitarian catastrophes.