ISLAMABAD: Former envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Amb Ali Sarwar Naqvi has called for making the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) a more reliable and effective instrument of global nuclear governance by ending its selective application, which was eroding its credibility.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion titled “Strategic Stability in a Fragmented World: The Discriminatory Nature of the Global Nonproliferation and Disarmament Agenda,” organized by CISS in connection with the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, he said, “The key challenge is to strengthen the NPT in a manner that upholds its credibility and effectiveness without perpetuating these disparities.”

Amb Naqvi, who is currently heading CISS, emphasised that NPT must be based on universally applied rules, be non-discriminatory, and address the security concerns of all countries to maintain its legitimacy.

He highlighted the fundamental issues undermining the NPT’s credibility noting that the treaty’s selective application, which allows exemptions for some states while imposing sanctions on others, has weakened its effectiveness.

Amb Naqvi pointed out the inherent imbalance betweende jurenuclear weapon states recognised under the NPT andde factonuclear weapon states that remain outside its framework.

This distinction, he said, has reinforced the discriminatory nature of the global non-proliferation regime, where established nuclear states have not fully honoured their disarmament commitments while countries like Pakistan, despite demonstrating responsible nuclear behavior, continue to face restrictions. He stressed that addressing these disparities is crucial to upholding the NPT’s legitimacy and ensuring that it serves as a fair and universal mechanism for nuclear governance.

The discussion was held in the context of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, which aims to deepen global understanding of how disarmament contributes to peace and security, prevents armed conflicts, and curbs human suffering caused by weapons.

The observance of this day underscores the importance of fair and inclusive global arms control mechanisms.

Other speakers at the event also highlighted critical aspects of the global non-proliferation regime. Dr Rubina Waseem, Assistant Professor at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), pointed out contradictions within the regime, particularly the way non-NPT nuclear states are treated. She noted that India, despite not being an NPT signatory, received a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), granting it access to peaceful nuclear technology, while Pakistan, its stringent nuclear safeguards notwithstanding, has not been given similar recognition.

Independent Research Analyst and Adjunct Faculty Member Ali Mustafa discussed Pakistan’s historical role in nuclear diplomacy, highlighting its contributions to arms control and strategic stability discussions. While acknowledging the discriminatory aspects of the global non-proliferation framework, he suggested that Pakistan should focus on leveraging its status as a middle power to advocate for a more balanced approach.

He emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement, collaboration with international institutions, and stronger ties with like-minded states to ensure a more equitable non-proliferation order.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025