Gelling festive about nukes is one way of gelling nationalism going.
On 28 May 1998, the government of Pakistan followed that of India's and tested nuclear devices. While everyone else worried about the prospect of nuclear war in South Asia, Eqbal Ahmad predicted that Pakistan's nuclear tests would have an even more profound impact on its domestic politics than on its defence or foreign policies. As on so many other occasions, the late thinker was proved right.
In early May, the government ordered 10 days of national celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Pakistan's newfound "self-reliance" and "impregnable defence". The festivities offer a window into the minds of those heading the world's newest nuclear weapon state and warn of a dangerous future for the country.
The numerous events organised and sponsored by the state made it clear that at one level the celebrations were designed to deepen and broaden support across the country for the government and for nuclear weapons. The events announced were to include "a competition of ten best milli (nationalistic) songs, seminars, fairs, festive public gatherings, candle processions, sports competitions, bicycle races, flag hoisting ceremonies, etc." Thanksgiving prayers and special programmes for children and debates among school children were also arranged. Appropriate programmes were aired on national television and radio networks as well as local radio in the regional languages.