Quality of mercy

The course of events in Pakistan, predictable to those who follow developments in that country, would be amusing if it did not involve deadly developments like the spread of nuclear weapons across the world in what must be the largest and most extensive single source of nuclear proliferation. After two months of investigations and interrogations, euphemistically described as “debriefings”, Abdul Qadeer Khan — the man acclaimed for two decades as the father of the Pakistani bomb and who was at the core of that proliferation — has tendered an apology. But there were no signs of any regret for spreading the bomb technology and material around. On the other hand, a sense of pride bordering on boasting was evident from the time Khan’s name started to be associated with the investigations of clear transgressions of all norms. He was being quoted only the other day justifying his actions on the basis of religious ideology and national interest.

It was inevitable that at some point the names of top leaders of the Pakistan army would get associated with clandestine proliferation. In a nation where the army has been ruling directly and indirectly for the most part, its role cannot be separated from such proliferation, although specific acts would obviously be carried out by individuals. Surely, no one is naive enough to believe that any document would actually indicate a government authorisation for the supply and spread of technology, material and details of suppliers of components across the world. A clandestine programme itself could not have risked formal government orders. But what was unexpected in Pakistan was that two of its close friends of yesterday, Iran and Libya, formally named Pakistan as the source of their nuclear technology.

An exit strategy then had to be evolved which would not open a domestic Pandora’s box since few would escape without being singed by the revelations. Washington, the self-appointed proliferation conscience-keeper of the world, had indicated right at the beginning that investigations and action based on it would satisfy its policy needs, vis-a-vis its partner in the global war against terrorism. The past, as the White House put it, was past. General Musharraf himself is seen as the best bet for Pakistan, for US-Pakistan relations and for the war against terrorism. After a minor effort at trying to work according to its own law and natural justice, the needle pointed at A.Q. Khan, who in turn pointed his finger at army chiefs, including Musharraf himself. He literally blackmailed Musharraf into accepting his “apology” in return for Musharraf granting him mercy.

Of course, video-tapes were kept secure — Bollywood style — to ensure the deal is stuck to. As the case stands closed, proliferation acquires legitimacy.