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US Turned a Blind Eye to Pakistan’s Nuclear Program, Says Ex-CIA Officer
A former CIA officer has alleged that the US deliberately overlooked Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program despite repeated intelligence warnings. The explosive claims revive decades-old concerns about geopolitical double standards and America’s role in South Asia’s nuclear proliferation.
Cold War Priorities Over Non-Proliferation
The unnamed officer stated that Washington was aware of Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions as early as the 1970s but ignored them to maintain a Cold War alliance. Pakistan’s nuclear program, led by scientist A.Q. Khan, allegedly flourished while the US focused on countering the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
“There were clear red flags, but Pakistan was seen as a necessary ally,” the officer said. “The priority was Afghanistan, not non-proliferation.”
Declassified Evidence of Deliberate Ignorance
Historical records suggest the US downplayed Pakistan’s nuclear activities for strategic gain. During the 1980s, Pakistan was critical to the CIA-backed mujahideen insurgency in Afghanistan. Experts argue this reliance led Washington to turn a blind eye to Islamabad’s atomic ambitions.
Even after A.Q. Khan’s nuclear black market was exposed—supplying tech to Iran, North Korea, and Libya—the US imposed only temporary sanctions, later waived for political convenience.
The A.Q. Khan Proliferation Scandal
Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the “father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb,” operated a global smuggling ring but faced limited consequences. He was placed under house arrest in 2004, raising questions about lax accountability.
The ex-CIA officer suggests US intelligence tracked Khan for years but avoided decisive action, fearing instability in a nuclear-armed Pakistan with militant ties.
Double Standards in Nuclear Policy
Critics accuse the US of hypocrisy—harshly sanctioning Iran and North Korea while tolerating Pakistan’s program. India, after its 1974 nuclear test, faced strict penalties, whereas Pakistan’s 1998 tests were met with muted backlash.
“The US knew Pakistan was building the bomb but found it politically inconvenient to act,” said nuclear expert Dr. Harsh Pant. “This has damaged regional stability.”
South Asia’s Ongoing Nuclear Risks
The revelation comes amid high tensions between India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers. India has long accused Pakistan of benefiting from Western leniency.
Worse, Pakistan’s political instability and extremist threats raise concerns about nuclear arsenal safety. If the US ignored early warnings, critics argue it shares blame for today’s risks.
Demands for Transparency Grow
The ex-officer’s claims have spurred calls for declassifying more documents to assess US complicity. Former diplomat Nirupama Rao stated:
“If true, this is a damning indictment of how short-term gains endangered global security.”
Conclusion: A Costly Strategic Gamble
The allegations highlight a troubling trend—nuclear non-proliferation sacrificed for political expediency. As South Asia remains volatile, the world must grapple with the fallout of past oversights.
Did the US prioritize Cold War victories over preventing a nuclear arms race? The answer remains contentious—and unsettling.
— NextMinuteNews
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