Document page
Pak Studies History IGCSEPDF 178
181 pagesrevision 46928
PDF 178
Page image rendered from the stored file at 110 dpi; it sharpens as you zoom. Outlines are placed from each region’s stored position on the page (596 × 842 pt).
readable
Source of this text: embedded text layer. The better of the embedded text and OCR is kept.
4. Nawaz Sharif’s Moscow Visit (1999)
Q1: What was the purpose and outcome of Nawaz Sharif’s 1999 visit to
Moscow? (7 marks)
Q2: What were the main effects of Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests? (14 marks)
Pakistan carried out nuclear tests in May 1998 in direct response to India’s
nuclear explosions earlier that month. The Indian tests threatened the regional
balance of power and posed a serious security challenge. Pakistan’s leadership,
led by Nawaz Sharif, decided to test its own nuclear capability to ensure
national security and deterrence against India. There was immense public and
political pressure to demonstrate equal strength and technological capability.
The tests also aimed to boost national pride and establish Pakistan as a
powerful and independent nation capable of defending itself against regional
threats.
The nuclear tests at Chagai in May 1998 had both positive and negative effects
on Pakistan. On the positive side, the tests created a sense of national unity
and pride, establishing Pakistan as the world’s seventh nuclear power and the
first Muslim country with nuclear weapons. It strengthened the country’s
defense and deterrence posture against India. However, the tests led to severe
economic consequences, as the United States and other Western countries
imposed sanctions that restricted foreign aid, loans, and investment. The
value of the rupee fell, inflation rose, and the economy slowed down sharply.
Despite economic hardship, the tests enhanced Pakistan’s international status
and symbolized its determination to protect its sovereignty.
Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Moscow in 1999 was aimed at improving diplomatic and
economic relations with Russia, which had been weak since the Soviet-Afghan
War. The visit sought to diversify Pakistan’s foreign policy by building new
partnerships beyond the United States and China. Discussions focused on
regional stability, trade cooperation, and potential energy projects. Although
the talks were friendly, the visit produced few practical results because of rising
domestic tensions in Pakistan. Nevertheless, it was a significant step in re-
establishing dialogue between the two countries after years of limited contact.