PESHAWAR: Stressing the need for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation for ensuing global peace, speakers at a seminar here on Friday criticised the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as discriminatory for dividing states into nuclear-haves and have-nots.
The seminar was organized by the International Relations Students Association (IRSA) at the Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar (UoP) to mark the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness. Faculty members and students attended the event.
Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion were: Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Dean and Meritorious Professor at Quaid-e-Azam University, Dr Sami Raza, Chairman, Department of International Relations, UoP, Dr Rizwan Naseer, a director at the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad, Dr Zafar Ali, director research at the Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad, Dr Rahman Allah from BBC, Prof Dr Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi and Dr Khurshaid Ahmad.
Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal spoke about the emergence of the “fourth nuclear age,” marked by multipolarity, heightened risks of conventional wars among nuclear-armed states, and a shift in nuclear strategy toward fighting wars rather than merely maintaining stability.
He said that the current phase of nuclear politics with multipolar power dynamics, advanced technologies, and a shift toward strategies was an example of the ‘fourth nuclear age.’ Fighting limited nuclear wars instead of merely deterring them is the main feature of the nuclear age, which is distinct from earlier ages because it combines geopolitical rivalry with rapid technological change.
Dr Naseer highlighted the realist nature of global politics, where states prioritize their own interests, often at the expense of others. He stressed the importance of disarmament in a world threatened by nuclear war.
He said that nuclear weapons are seen as essential for national security but simultaneously heighten aggression and global instability.Despite realism’s dominance, he urged the need for idealistic thinkers who advocate disarmament, comparing it to past impossible achievements like the League of Nations and modern technology.
He argued that while disarmament may seem unattainable, persistent efforts could make it achievable.Dr. Zafar Ali said that the NPT was signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, establishing non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful nuclear use.
In 1995, it was extended indefinitely, becoming the cornerstone of global nuclear governance. Post-Cold War, challenges arose with India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea outside the treaty. Currently, it remains nearly universal but faces tensions over slow disarmament and modernization of nuclear arsenals.
Dr Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi talked about the constructivist perspective on arms control and disarmament, emphasizing that these processes are not solely determined by military balance but are deeply rooted in norms, identities and shared ideas among states.
Dr. Rahman Allah (BBC) said that nuclear weapons can act as deterrents, preventing wars by discouraging powerful states from attacking nuclear-capable nations.The panelists shared their insights on the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation in maintaining international peace, security, and global stability.
They discussed contemporary challenges in regions such as Iran, Iraq, and Libya, examined perspectives both in favor and against non-proliferation, and reflected on the role and effectiveness of the United Nations in these processes.
In his concluding remarks Dr Syed Sami Raza acknowledged the fact that the UN has a special day to commemorate the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation.Accordingly, the UN has this day to facilitate the States and educational institutions to organize programs and at least remember this day once in a year.He also added that it has only become more important recently with the developments that we see in the Middle East.
