The May 1998 nuclear explosions both by India and Pakistan have not only intensified hostilities between the two neighbouring countries but have also come as a major threat to global peace. 

Ironically, while the two countries decided to test their nuclear devices, majority of the inhabitants was suffering for the want of basic needs. It goes without saying that the tests were conducted when India and Pakistan needed to address many problems - economic, social and political -that confronted them, more than ever before. 

Although, India denied having gone for the tests to deter its neighbour, its leadership's ambivalent statements provided Pakistan a valid justification to explode its devices. Unfortunately, within a fortnight of Indian explosions Pakistan followed the suit. This succession of events came as big blow to the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tension between the two countries. 

Journalists Resource Centre, realising the gravity of the situation created by nuclear madness of the leadership of the two countries, organised a series of dialogue to highlight the consequences of such arms race. The dialogue proved to be very useful, not only to understand but also to educate the community on the various facets of the situation. The first dialogue on the subject was held on June 5. It was one of the first few attempts to open a debate on issues related to those explosions, particularly, at a time when the rest of the civil society organisations were still hibernating.

In the three months following the explosions, JRC organised four more dialogues. JRC was keen to draw in all diverse points of view so as to ascertain what different sections of the society believed regarding the aftermath of the explosions. It was not an easy job to open a debate on the issue while the nuclear frenzy was at its apex.  Leading journalists, intellectuals and politicians were made to sit together at the Press Club to share their views and suggest for a peaceful South Asia.

Phone: + 92 42 6666404 - 6687827
 

 

 
E-mail: jrc@syberwurx.com