Introduction to ACDC – Mr. Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC
The international security environment is changing rapidly. Arms races at international and regional levels are picking pace. Major powers are increasing their military spending to modernising their conventional capabilities; developing and deploying lethal technologies; increasing their reliance on nuclear weapons; and are shifting away from their doctrines and postures. Instead of honouring their commitment to nuclear disarmament, they are withdrawing from major arms control and disarmament treaties and agreements. This is putting tremendous pressure not only on the existing international arms control and disarmament norms, but also on countries like Pakistan. However, being a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan supports international arms control and disarmament instruments consistent with its national interest and is committed to promoting regional peace and strategic stability. With a vision to contribute focused research and quality policy input through in-depth analysis and dialogue on issues of arms control, disarmament, nuclear safety and security, nuclear deterrence, emerging technologies, and challenges to peace and strategic stability, we have decided to establish this dedicated Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute, from within the existing human and financial resources.
