3 January 1980
Michel Pecquer, Director of the French Atomic Commission, denies France's involvement in the sale of Niger-mined uranium to Pakistan and Libya. Pecquer also denies reports that uranium shipments from the mines in Niger were stolen. He clarifies that the sale of uranium to Libya and Pakistan was made by the government of Niger and involved only those portions of the mines that were controlled by the Niger government. Pecquer adds that the sale of 258 tons of uranium yellow cake to Libya and 110 tons to Pakistan was in conformance with IAEA regulations. The sale of uranium to Libya and Pakistan is confirmed by a Niger government spokesperson. The two uranium mines in question are owned by the Niger government, COGEMA - a French company owned by the French Atomic Commission, and a number of other French and foreign enterprises. Pecquer indicates that each shareholder controls only a portion of the mine and has no control over the production activities of other parts of the mine controlled by other participants.
--"France Denies Uranium Sales," Associated Press, 3 January 1980, International News; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 January 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com

12 January 1980
The United States offers $400 million over the next two years in economic and military assistance to Pakistan in response to the threat posed by Soviet aggression in Afghanistan. The offer for the aid package is communicated to Agha Shahi, Pakistan's foreign affairs adviser. A special Congressional act, however, is required to proceed with the aid package since existing nonproliferation laws do not allow such assistance to Pakistan. During the discussions, the Pakistani delegation does not reveal any change in the policy over its uranium enrichment plant. Intelligence reports indicate that the pace of construction has slowed down owing to technical difficulties.
--"Pakistan Offered $400 Million Aid; Carter Seeking $400 Million Aid to Pakistan," Washington Post, 15 January 1980, First Session, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 January 1980,http://www.lexisnexis.com

15 January 1980
Pakistan's President Zia ul-Haq indicates that the United States has not attached any pre-conditions for the aid offer. General Haq claims that the United States did not seek an end to Pakistan's alleged clandestine nuclear weapons program or an end to the Army's rule in Pakistan.
--Stuart Auerbach, "Pakistan Warns Soviets, Afghanistan to Keep Out," Washington Post, 16 January 1980, First Section, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 January 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com

17 January 1980
In an interview, Pakistan's President Zia ul-Haq asks the United States to convert the 1959 defense agreement between the United States and Pakistan into a "friendship treaty" to protect Pakistan's freedom and integrity. General Haq also terms the US offer of $400 million as "peanuts." In requesting greater assistance from the United States and the Western world, General Haq indicates that Pakistan's nuclear program and the issue of holding elections in the near future will not be discussed.
--Stuart Auerbach, "Pakistan Seeking US Guarantees in Formal Treaty; Pakistan Asks Formal Treaty to Cement Ties with US," Washington Post, 18 January 1980, First Section, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 January 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

19 January 1980
US Congressman Wolff indicates that he has warned China of the dangers posed by Pakistan's acquisition of nuclear weapons. According to Rep. Wolff, the Congressional delegation to China also informed the Chinese that the United States is concerned over the long-term implications of the issue, especially India's reaction to Pakistan's acquisition of nuclear weapons.
--"Visitors to China; US Congressmen," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, Part 3. The Far East, A. International Affairs, 1. General and Western Affairs, FE/6325/A1/4; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 January 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

25 January 1980
The president's request for resumption of economic and military assistance to Pakistan is expected to pass through the Congress without major problems. Serious concerns over Soviet policies in Afghanistan replace previous fears over Pakistan's nuclear weapons program.
--Peter C. Stuart, "US Gets Tough Against Soviet Aggression," Christian Science Monitor (Boston), 25 January 1980, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 January 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

1 February 1980
The Carter administration informs Congressional leaders of its plan to enter into a long-term military relationship with Pakistan. According to sources, the Carter administration is seeking to repeal the ban on aid to Pakistan imposed in April 1978. US administration officials also insist that efforts are continuing to prevent Pakistan from detonating a nuclear explosion.
--Bernard Gwertzman, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 1 February 1980, Pg.1, Col.. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

1 February 1980
In response to a question whether the United States should accept Pakistan's nuclear weapons program in return for Pakistan's acceptance of US military aid, US Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan says that he believes that the United States should not stand in the way of foreign countries developing their own nuclear weapons. Reagan says, "I just don't think it's any of our business." Later at a press conference, Reagan says that he supports US nonproliferation efforts but he also indicates his skepticism that the United States can do much to prevent the development of nuclear technology by other countries.
--Robert Lindsey, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 1 February 1980, Pg. 1, Col.. 6; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

2-3 February 1980
US National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski fails to elicit a definite promise from Pakistan's President Zia ul-Haq to cancel a planned nuclear test in April.
--"Sonoda to Try to Dissuade Pakistan from Nuclear Test," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 5 February 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

3 February 1980
US National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski announces that the US administration has postponed sending its $400 million aid request to the Congress until the contributions by other nations are finalized. During talks with the Pakistani delegation in Islamabad, the two sides further define the 1959 defense agreement between the two countries. Under the newly agreed rules, the United States will provide aid to Pakistan in the event of a Soviet attack with more than platoon-strength troops. The United States is still concerned over Pakistan's nuclear weapons program, but the American delegation believes that the new agreements will enable both sides to address the issues in a better manner.
--Stuart Auerbach, "US to Seek Help from Other Nations on Aid to Pakistan," Washington Post, 4 February 1980, First Section, A18; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

4 February 1980
The Carter administration appears to back away from its earlier declarations that its $400 million aid offer to Pakistan is non-negotiable. Although Dr. Brzezinski states that "we are concerned, have been concerned, and will be concerned about the proliferation of nuclear weapons," a US official, in response to a specific question over the softening of US stance over Pakistan's nuclear program, states that "we will have to harmonize our goal of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons with the changes in the strategic situation in the area."
--James Dorsey, 'Afghanistan Crisis Yields Critical Policy," Christian Science Monitor, 4 February 1980, Pg. 22; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

5 February 1980
Former Japanese foreign minister Sunao Sonoda will try to persuade Pakistan not to conduct a nuclear test. Pakistan is expected to conduct a nuclear test in April. Sonoda will visit Pakistan during the middle of February as the special envoy of Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira.
--"Sonoda to Try to Dissuade Pakistan from Nuclear Test," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 5 February 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

5 February 1980
A full-fledged computer division is established at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (PINSTECH). The facilities offered at the computer center are unique and the center is maintained by Pakistani engineers.
--"Computer Applications," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 February 1980, Part 3. The Far East, weekly Economic Report, A. Economic and Scientific, Pakistan. Science and Technology, FE/W1071/A/23; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

12 February 1980
Reports indicate that Chinese nuclear experts are assisting Pakistan in its efforts to enrich uranium.
--"Pakistan: Increasing Involvement in Alliance with USA and China," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 14 February 1980, Part 1. The USSR, C. Afghanistan and Related Topics, SU/6345/C/3; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

28 February 1980
US State Department officials state that, despite US reservations, Pakistan is continuing to build its uranium enrichment facility. The US government has warned that continuation of the plant's construction will halt further US military support. Pakistan's President Zia ul-Haq states that Pakistan does not wish to develop nuclear weapons but does not foreclose the possibility of developing a peaceful nuclear device. According to US intelligence estimates, Pakistan will not be able to produce sufficient quantities of enriched uranium for a bomb at least until late 1981.
--Richard Burt, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 28 February 1980, Pg. 1, Col. 4; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

29 February 1980
The Dutch government indicates that a security lapse at a uranium enrichment plant in the Netherlands in 1974 might have provided important information to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a Pakistani metallurgist, who might have used it in Pakistan's own uranium enrichment efforts. A report compiled by an interdepartmental commission of inquiry states that Dr. Khan tried to obtain classified information during his 16-day stay at the enrichment plant. The inquiry commission is not certain whether Dr. Khan was successful in his attempts to obtain information but the report states that it is possible for Pakistan to have speeded up its enrichment process based on the information obtained by Dr. Khan. The commission report states that "It can be assumed that Pakistan, through Khan, has been able to procure sensitive knowledge in the field of enrichment technology. In this way, the country has been able to achieve a considerable time-saving in the setting up of a pilot installation for the enrichment of uranium." The report indicates that lapses in the screening processes and other security procedures enabled Dr. Khan to work in the enrichment facility briefly during 1974. Dr. Khan worked for a URENCO subcontractor between 1972 and 1975. URENCO is a British-Dutch-West German Consortium for enriching uranium. The enrichment plant is operated by URENCO. The Dutch government had previously denied any leak of classified data. The report also states that Dr. Khan is now playing an important role in Pakistan's nuclear program. The inquiry report further states that certain Dutch companies are involved in exporting components that could enable Pakistan to build a centrifuge system.
--"Pakistani May Have Obtained Classified Nuclear Data," Associated Press, 29 February 1980, International News; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 February 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; United Press International, 11 February 1981, International; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 February 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

29 February 1980
The Secretary of State to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Olivier Stirn indicates that the French government did not categorically refuse to supply Pakistan with equipment that could be used to build a nuclear fuel facility. According to Stirn, France is also willing to provide Pakistan with 50 instead of the ordered 32 Mirage fighter aircraft. In addition, France is also willing to increase military and economic aid by 150 million francs in addition to the 250 million francs allocated for 1980.
--"French Involvement in Military Aid to Pakistan," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 1 March 1980, part 1. The USSR, C. Afghanistan and Related Topics, SU/6359/C/2; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 March 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

2 March 1980
The Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Munir Ahmad Khan rejects the US position that reprocessing of spent fuel, enrichment of uranium, and fast breeder reactor technology should be limited to the five nuclear weapons states, namely, the United States, the USSR, France, China, and the United Kingdom.
--John K. Cooley, "US-India Nuclear Transaction Watched," Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 1980, Pg. 4; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 June 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

8 March 1980
The proposed US aid program to Pakistan is reported to be "dead" after statements from both sides reveal differences over the issue. The US State Department spokesperson Hodding Carter says that "The Pakistani government has indicated that it is not interested in the assistance we proposed." Pakistani sources, on the other hand, indicate that the aid amount is very little and too conspicuous. Pakistan fears being seen as a proxy of the United States fighting against the Soviet Union and India.
--Don Oberdorfer, "Pakistan 'Package' Unravels; New Blow to US Diplomacy," Washington Post, 8 March 1980, First Section, A21; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 March 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

10 March 1980
Inaugurating the 23rd annual convention of the Institution of Engineers of Pakistan, President Zia ul-Haq reaffirms that his government will continue Pakistan's nuclear program for peaceful purposes.
--"Pakistan President on Nuclear Development," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 11 March 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 March 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

April 1980
The West German firm Ces Kalthof hands over the plans for producing UF6 and UF4 to Pakistan. Pakistan fails to pay the final payments for the plants.
--"German Firm Cited in Case Involving Sale of Fluoride Conversion Plant to Pakistan," Nuclear Fuel, 20 July 1981, Vol. 6, No. 15, Pg. 3; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 July 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

4 May 1980
Pakistani official sources denounce recent reports from Kabul and Moscow that President Zia ul-Haq will discuss the question of testing Pakistan's nuclear weapons in China with the Chinese leaders. The sources indicate that Pakistan's nuclear program is geared towards peaceful purposes and also mention that Pakistan has no intention to produce nuclear weapons.
--"Moscow's Fabrication About Pakistan's Intended Nuclear Test in China Refuted," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 6 May 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 May 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

6-18 May 1980
Following Pakistani President Zia ul-Haq's conclusion of his visit to China, reports suggest that the Chinese leaders have promised to permit the testing of Pakistan's nuclear devices on Chinese territory. According to these reports, the tests will be supervised by Chinese and Pakistani scientists.
--"Chinese-Pakistani Military Co-operation: Hegemonism and Expansionism," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 22 May 1980, Part 1. The USSR, A. International Affairs, 3. The Far East, SU/6426/A3/1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 May 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

16 June 1980
In its weekly show Panorama, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reveals that Pakistan is developing a nuclear bomb with financial assistance from Libya. The report mentions that Libya's ruler Colonel Qadhafi made a pact with Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1974 to finance Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. Anonymous Pakistani sources indicate the aid amount to total about $4 billion. According to the evidence presented in the show titled "Project 706: The Islamic Bomb", Libya's envoys visited Pakistan with suitcases filled with millions of dollars to fund Pakistan's purchase of equipment and components from European companies. According to the show, Libya has spent $500 million on Pakistan's nuclear program since 1975. According to the BBC, Pakistan will test a nuclear device in 18 months. The show reports that former Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto finalized a nuclear cooperation agreement with Libya's Colonel Qadhafi during the early 1970s. Khalid Hasan, a former aide to Bhutto, reveals on the show that during a meeting in 1972, Bhutto revealed to the scientists present that Pakistan is going to build a nuclear bomb.
--"BBC Says Pakistan Developing Nuclear Bomb," Associated Press, 16 June 1980, International News; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 June 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; Leonard Downie Jr., "US Says Evidence Shows Pakistan Planning A-Bomb," Washington Post, 21 September 1980, First Section, A20; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

2 July 1980
The economic coordination committee of Pakistan's Cabinet decides to increase the nuclear power generation capacity to 600 MW by 1988 in order to meet the growing demand for energy. The Committee reviews other available sources of energy and concludes that nuclear energy provides the best alternative for Pakistan. A project study, already underway, to increase nuclear power generation is expected to be finished by the end of this year and tenders for the new project are expected to be issued during the next year.
--"Nuclear Choice for Energy Policy," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 16 July 1980, Part 3. The Far East, Weekly Economic Report, A. Economic and Scientific, Pakistan. Society and Environment, FE/W1091/A/25; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 July 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

July 1980
Two Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) scientists Anwar Ali and I.A. Bhatty arrive in Montreal with a list of items needed for a high-speed inverter. Export of inverters is prohibited by the United States and other countries since it is used for spinning gases in a centrifuge for enriching uranium.
--John J. Fialka, "Nuclear Club: Set to Explode? - Nuclear Spread: How Pakistan Secured US Devices in Canada to make Atomic Arms - Despite Proliferation Barriers, Nation will soon have Ability to Produce Bombs - Jitters in India and the West," Wall Street Journal, 26 November 1984, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 1984, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

July - August 1980
Pakistan buys parts for high speed inverters from American firms like General Electric Co., Westinghouse Electric Corp., RCA Corp. and Motorola Inc. The purchases are made by two small electrical-equipment stores in Montreal. The parts are repackaged and shipped to the Middle East and eventually to Pakistan. The operation is assisted by several highly educated Pakistani expatriates in Canada and the United States. Some of the expatriates are recruited through newspaper advertisements and later persuaded to work for sometime in Pakistan with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Dr. Khan is in charge of the uranium enrichment program.
--John J. Fialka, "Nuclear Club: Set to Explode? - Nuclear Spread: How Pakistan Secured US Devices in Canada to make Atomic Arms - Despite Proliferation Barriers, Nation will soon have Ability to Produce Bombs - Jitters in India and the West," Wall Street Journal, 26 November 1984, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 1984, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

1 August 1980
India's Minister of External Affairs Narasimha Rao indicates that Pakistan's acquisition of nuclear weapons will increase tensions in the region.
--"South Asia; Pakistan: Nuclear Research for Peaceful Purposes Only," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 August 1980, Part 3. The Far East, A. International Affairs, 3. Far Eastern Relations, FE/6489/A3/12; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 August 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

3 August 1980
A Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson states that Pakistan's nuclear research program is aimed towards peaceful uses of nuclear energy and says that Pakistan does not wish to develop nuclear energy for military use. The spokesperson's comments came in response to the comments expressed by India's Minister of External Affairs. The spokesperson also lists the three proposals made by Pakistan as proof of Pakistan's peaceful intentions. The three proposals are: First, India should agree to the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone in South Asia. Second, both India and Pakistan should accept international inspections of all nuclear facilities or, if this is not acceptable, India and Pakistan should accept, on a mutual basis, the inspection of each other's nuclear facilities. Third, India and Pakistan should sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. Fourth, in the interim, India and Pakistan should join other countries of South Asia in declaring their renunciation of the manufacture or acquisition of nuclear weapons.
--"Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman on Nuclear Research for Peace," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 3 August 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 August 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; "South Asia; Pakistan: Nuclear Research for Peaceful Purposes Only," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 August 1980, Part 3. The Far East, A. International Affairs, 3. Far Eastern Relations, FE/6489/A3/12; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 August 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

5 August 1980
India rejects Pakistan's proposal to create a nuclear weapons-free zone in South Asia. According to a foreign ministry spokesperson, a nuclear weapons-free zone cannot be created without consulting all the countries in the region and also that any such zone must include China.
--"India Rejects Nuclear Plan," Washington Post, 5 August 1980, First Section, Around the World, A18; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 August 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com

29 August 1980
Canadian Police, acting on a tip from British Customs Service, seize 19 boxes of equipment at the Montreal Mirabel Airport. The boxes were being shipped to Pakistan. The police arrest Abdul Aziz Khan (a Canadian electrical engineer), Salam Elmenyawi (owner of an electrical-equipment store in Montreal), and Mohammad Ahmad (a mechanical engineer working in Quebec). Seized records indicate that 10 other shipments of inverters were sent to Pakistan.
--John J. Fialka, "Nuclear Club: Set to Explode? - Nuclear Spread: How Pakistan Secured US Devices in Canada to make Atomic Arms - Despite Proliferation Barriers, Nation will soon have Ability to Produce Bombs - Jitters in India and the West," Wall Street Journal, 26 November 1984, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 1984, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

30 August 1980
Canadian police release Abdul Aziz Khan and follow him to a railroad station where he retrieves a suitcase and several documents. Abdul Aziz Khan then shreds the documents, drops them in a trash can, and proceeds to the airport to catch a flight to Pakistan. Abdul Aziz Khan is then rearrested at the airport. The documents, retrieved and pieced together by the Canadian police, include a paper by an American scientist on using high-speed gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
--John J. Fialka, "Nuclear Club: Set to Explode? - Nuclear Spread: How Pakistan Secured US Devices in Canada to make Atomic Arms - Despite Proliferation Barriers, Nation will soon have Ability to Produce Bombs - Jitters in India and the West," Wall Street Journal, 26 November 1984, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 26 November 1984, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

31 August 1980
The Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Munir Ahmad Khan announces that Pakistan has achieved self-reliance in the manufacture of nuclear fuel from uranium. At a news conference, Munir Ahmad Khan announces that a nuclear fuel manufacturing plant has been built at Chashma by Pakistani scientists. According to him, fuel from the plant has been used in a nuclear power plant during the past month to produce electricity for Karachi. According to Mr. Khan, the setting-up of the indigenous nuclear fuel production plant will save about $40 million in foreign exchange every year since Pakistan earlier had to depend on foreign suppliers for nuclear fuel. Mr. Khan also indicates that PAEC is involved in preparatory work for the construction of a second nuclear power station at Chashma. Mr. Khan states that talks are proceeding to meet the foreign exchange requirements for the project, which is expected to cost $800 million. A plant has also been setup to produce radioactive iodine-131. The plant has been setup at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) by a PAEC scientist. The indigenous production of the isotope is believed to save considerable foreign exchange for Pakistan. PINSTECH also produces 16 other radioactive compounds.
--"Around the World; Pakistani Official Reports Self-Reliance in Atomic Fuel," New York Times, 1 September 1980, Section A, Pg. 5, Column 4, Foreign Desk; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; "Pakistan Becomes Self-Sufficient in Nuclear Fuel," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 2 September 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; Wall Street Journal, 2 September 1980, Pg. 30, Column 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; "Production of Nuclear Fuel," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 September 1980, Part 3. The Far East, weekly Economic Report, A. Economic and Scientific, Pakistan. Production and Transport, FE/W1099/A/25; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

Summer-September 1980
The US State Department informs the Swiss government that five Swiss firms are still providing equipment and technical assistance to Pakistan's uranium enrichment process. The formal complaint is given to the outgoing Swiss Ambassador Raymond Probst by the Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Pickering. Two of the firms included in the list, CORA and VAT, have already been mentioned to Swiss authorities last year. The complaint mentions that personnel from CORA are in Kahuta assisting the Pakistanis in building an enrichment plant. According to Claude Zangger, scientist in charge of nuclear technology export policy and controls for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, CORA might be performing after-delivery service in Pakistan. The inclusion of VAT in the list of complaints surprises Zangger because according to him, VAT officials had informed him that they would not supply anything to Pakistan owing to bad publicity. The formal complaint lists three other firms that are exporting a ventilation system, aluminum tubing, and machine tools to Pakistan. Zangger indicates that the issue will be discussed with the concerned firms. According to Zangger, the Swiss firm queried the government whether the special ventilation system is categorized under the restricted list of items. The government replied that the item is not included in the list and hence no export license is necessary.

Swiss officials insist that the items exported to Pakistan are not banned under existing export control regulations owing to their use in multiple purposes. Swiss officials indicate that they are aware of the exports of some of the companies listed in the formal complaint by the United States but insist that the Swiss government did not act because the exports did not violate Swiss or international laws. According to Swiss officials, the export control guidelines and lists cover only specific processes for producing weapons grade materials but not the individual components of such processes. Swiss officials also reveal that some of the components exported by Swiss firms can be used in building a reprocessing plant that will separate plutonium from spent nuclear fuel. According to Swiss authorities, even these materials are not included in any international export guidelines. Some US officials contend that Switzerland is violating the spirit of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and a supplementary agreement reached by 15 countries that provide nuclear technology. Switzerland has reportedly refused repeated US requests to either expand its export control lists or restrict any items exported by Switzerland that could possibly be used by Pakistan to develop nuclear weapons. Switzerland's Deputy Foreign Minister Raymond Probst says that such stringent measures will not be beneficial to Switzerland's nuclear technology industry. Probst says however that Switzerland is willing to discuss the implementation of new controls, provided all the other countries exporting nuclear technology agree to implement the same control mechanisms. Probst also indicates that Switzerland has not made a judgment on Pakistan's development of nuclear weapons and says that the official view of the Swiss government is that Pakistan is not developing nuclear weapons.
--Leonard Downie Jr., "Swiss Sending Nuclear Aid to Pakistan; US Contends Sale Speeds Developing of an Atomic Bomb," Washington Post, 21 September 1980, First Section, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; Leonard Downie Jr., "US, Swiss at Impasse on A-Policy; US Suspends Nuclear Cooperation with Switzerland; Nuclear Licensing Delayed as Bern Assists Pakistan," Washington Post, 22 September 1980, First Section, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

21 September 1980
US experts pointing to intelligence reports, photographs of construction of the uranium enrichment plant at Kahuta, and statements by the former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto believe that Pakistan would need several years to finish the enrichment plant and produce weapons grade uranium for nuclear bombs. The US experts, however, believe that Pakistan's enrichment effort is now irreversible. According to US experts, Pakistan is buying components from Switzerland, the United States, Britain, West Germany, and other countries.
--Leonard Downie Jr., "US Says Evidence Shows Pakistan Planning A-Bomb," Washington Post, 21 September 1980, First Section, A20; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

22 September 1980
The Carter administration interrupts nuclear cooperation with Switzerland in retaliation for the Swiss export of nuclear technology to Pakistan. The US State Department delays the grant of license needed by the Swiss government to reprocess it spent fuel in France. The US government also blocks a previously undisclosed Swiss request to export plutonium to Italy. The State Department informs the Swiss government that the licenses will be withheld until the Swiss authorities satisfy the concerns of the United States government regarding the sale of nuclear technology to Pakistan. The US officials warn the Swiss government that the US Congress might be forced to cut off nuclear cooperation under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act.
--Leonard Downie Jr., "US, Swiss at Impasse on A-Policy; US Suspends Nuclear Cooperation with Switzerland; Nuclear Licensing Delayed as Bern Assists Pakistan," Washington Post, 22 September 1980, First Section, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

22 September 1980
The Swiss government rejects accusations that it has failed to abide by its nuclear export control commitments by permitting Swiss companies to export nuclear technology to Pakistan. Erwin Bischoff, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, indicates that none of the exported items are prohibited under international export guidelines. Bischoff also states that the Swiss government has monitored all the exports to Pakistan to ensure their compliance with existing international exports guidelines. The spokesperson further adds that Switzerland is willing to negotiate an extension of existing guidelines, provided such extensions are binding on all countries.
--"Swiss Deny Allegations," New York Times, 23 September 1980, Section A, Pg. 7, Column 1, Foreign Desk; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

23 September 1980
The Swiss Foreign Ministry announces its investigation into the sale of nuclear technology to Pakistan after the United States expressed concern over the sale. The Secretary of State at the Foreign Ministry, Raymond Probst, informs the press conference that the investigation is being conducted even though the Swiss government has provided assurances that the items are not included in any of the existing export control lists. Meanwhile, a Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesperson announces that Switzerland will continue to export equipment and provide technical assistance to Pakistan. According to the spokesperson, the items exported to Pakistan are not banned under any international embargo list.
--"US Fears Prompt Swiss to Study Pakistan Trade," New York Times, 23 September 1980, Section A, Pg. 6, Column 6, Foreign Desk; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com; 'Switzerland Goes on Exporting Nuclear Materials to Pakistan," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 24 September 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 September 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

September 1980
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) informs Nucleonics Week that it will invite international bids for the Chashma nuclear power plant as soon as the finances for the project become available.
--"Twelve Spanish Engineers are Under a One-Year Contract with Pakistan," Nucleonics Week, 24 September 1981, Vol. 22, No. 38, Pg. 3; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 September 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

September 1980
Pakistani scientists are reportedly working on a clandestine plutonium reprocessing facility near Rawalpindi. The completion of the reprocessing facility will advance Pakistan's ability to test a nuclear device by about two years. According to intelligence experts, the plutonium reprocessing facility will supply Pakistan with sufficient fissile material to conduct a test in the fall of 1981.
--Richard M. Weintraub and Les Whittington, "Pakistan Said to Receive Nuclear Arms Parts Illegally via Canada," Washington Post, 7 December 1980, First Section, World News, A 37; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 December 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

September 1980
Canadian police seize a shipment of electronic equipment at Montreal's Dorval Airport. The shipment is worth US $47,000. Canadian sources indicate that at least 10 other shipments had previously left Canada through the Dorval Airport. The combined worth of the previous shipments is believed to be Canadian $560,000.
--David K. Willis, "On the Trail of the A-Bomb Makers; Antinuclear battle Nears Climax," Christian Science Monitor (Boston), 1 December 1981, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

September 1980 - 1981
Following Pakistan's declaration of its ability to manufacture its own nuclear fuel, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requests Pakistan to allow the IAEA to increase its surveillance capability at the KANUPP facility. Currently the surveillance equipment includes specially adapted Minolta 8mm movie cameras, mounted in pairs and firing every eight or 10 minutes. The cameras are placed in sealed glass fronted boxes and are aligned to produce a wide angle and a telephoto view of the targets. Currently, the cameras target the storage pond, where the spent fuel rods are dumped, and a decontamination bay. The inspection process involves checking the seals for the cameras, unloading the camera films, developing the films, reloading the cameras, and resealing the camera boxes. The IAEA request to increase its surveillance capability includes relocation of the cameras at the spent-fuel bay and installing an extra camera, and relocating the camera at the decontamination bay. The IAEA wants two sets of cameras to cover the maintenance area for the fueling machine, a possible location for diverting plutonium. The IAEA wants the spend fuel rods to be arranged in a different manner in the storage pond. The IAEA also wants to take the camera films to be taken to its headquarters in Vienna for cross-examination. Most importantly, the IAEA wants to install "bundle counters" that will record the number of times fuel rods are inserted and withdrawn. Pakistan refuses to agree to the requests and points to the fact that the IAEA has not asked India to adopt such increased surveillance methods. The IAEA also requests an increase in the frequency of inspections at the KANUPP facility.
-- David K. Willis, "On the Trail of the A-Bomb Makers; Antinuclear battle Nears Climax," Christian Science Monitor (Boston), 1 December 1981, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 December 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

October 1980
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carries out a "full inventory verification" of the KANUPP reactor. An inventory of all dangerous materials is prepared during the inspection. Even though Pakistan is not a signatory to the NPT, the inspections are required under the original sales agreement for the CANDU-type reactor supplied by Canada. The full inspection is conducted after concerns are raised over a power outage that interrupts the functioning of the camera that monitors the transfer of fuel to the fuel storage pond. An IAEA source reveals that the camera was out of commission for about 3 months. The IAEA inspectors perform a manual count of the spent fuel since the monitoring camera is believed to have stopped working since the last inspections in August.
--Victoria Pope, "IAEA Reaches Accord on Spain amid Upbeat Safeguards Review Elsewhere," Nucleonics Week, 5 March 1981, Vol. 22, No. 9, Pg. 2; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 March 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com; Paul Lewis, "UN Atom Agency Lauds Moves by Egypt and Libya," New York Times, 28 February 1981, Section 1, Pg. 3, Column 1, Foreign Desk; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 February 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

10 November 1980
According to Hong Kong's Asia Week, Pakistan has spent $2 billion on its nuclear program.
--"Sino Pakistani Military Cooperation Aimed against Pakistan's Neighbors," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 14 November 1980, Part 1. The USSR, C.1 Afghanistan, SU/6575/C1/1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 November 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

24 November 1980
Pakistan's government dismisses recent reports that Chinese nuclear rockets have been sited in Pakistan. The government also terms as baseless certain reports mentioning that Chinese armed forced have conducted joint military exercises with Pakistani forces.
--"Pakistan Refutes Allegation of Chinese Military Presence in Pakistan," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 25 November 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 November 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

First Week of December 1980
Canada charges three men with violating export control laws by attempting to export certain electronic components. The shipment of electronic components is valued at $42, 500 and the shipment was seized at Montreal's Mirabel airport. The three men are charged with exporting US goods from Canada without a permit. The three men are Salam Elmenyawi (31), Mohammed Ahmad (44), and Abdul Aziz Khan (40). All the three charged men are Canadian citizens. Khan is an engineer from Pakistan, Elmenyawi is a businessman originally from Egypt, and Ahmad is a mechanical specialist from India. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officials indicate that they possess evidence of at least five other shipments of similar electronic parts that were exported earlier this year. It is not known whether the same three charged men are involved in sending the previous shipments. The charges about the previous shipments have not been made public. Officially, the seized equipment is stated as "condensers and resistors" but Canadian experts indicate that the seized electronic parts are components of an inverter. Inverters are used in processes to enrich uranium or to provide electricity needed for the manufacture of nuclear weapon parts. Officials mention that it is legal to possess such equipment within Canada but insist that exporting such equipment is against strict export control laws. A report in a current affairs program of the Canadian Broadcasting Group reveals that two Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) officials obtained visas earlier this year to work in the Pakistani consulate in Montreal. According to the report, however, the two officials did not visit the Montreal Pakistani consulate during their stay in Montreal from July 7-21. The news report alleges that the PAEC officials were involved in procuring electronic parts for Pakistan's nuclear program.
--Richard M. Weintraub and Les Whittington, "Pakistan Said to Receive Nuclear Arms Parts Illegally via Canada," Washington Post, 7 December 1980, First Section, World News, A 37; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 December 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

8 December 1980
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Agha Shahi rejects reports about the manufacture of an "Islamic Bomb" and the testing of Pakistan's nuclear bomb on Chinese territory as false allegations.
--"Pakistan Foreign Minister Repudiates False Allegations about Manufacturing Bomb," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 10 December 1980; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 December 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

30 December 1980
The Swiss government promises to closely review and possibly ban future exports of nuclear technology to Pakistan that could be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. In return, the United States agrees to resume nuclear cooperation with Switzerland. The Swiss government agrees to specially scrutinize a particular evaporation and condensation technology currently used by Pakistan. According to Claude Zangger, Swiss nuclear energy chief, Pakistan used the evaporation and condensation technology supplied by the Swiss firm CORA to build a pilot enrichment plant. According to Zangger, any future efforts by Pakistan to acquire such equipment for building an industrial scale enrichment facility will be closely reviewed by the Swiss government. Zangger indicates that Switzerland might ban the sale or request implementation of IAEA safeguards as a precondition for a sale. Zangger, however, mentions that the Swiss government has not finalized its policy on such exports and is merely promising to rigorously review any future exports. According to Zangger, an examination of the problems facing such exports is currently underway and the Swiss firms are waiting for the completion of the examination. Zangger reiterates that Switzerland will not unilaterally expand its export control list.
--Leonard Downie Jr., "US Prepared to Resume Nuclear Cooperation; Swiss, US Set to Resume Nuclear Energy Cooperation," Washington Post, 31 December 1980, First Section, A1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 December 1980, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

1980
The United States and the three countries from the URENCO project - Britain, West Germany, and the Netherlands - begin discussions on strengthening export controls on centrifuge technology.
--"Centrifuge Suppliers Meeting Privately to Shore up Trigger List," Nucleonics Week, 25 November 1982, Vol. 23, No. 47, Pg. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 November 1982, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

1980
The United States informs Turkey about Turkish firms' assistance to Pakistan's nuclear explosives program by supplying inverters. The United States requests the Turkish government to halt the transfer of such electric equipment. The Turkish government does not act on US requests and insists that the inverters, which cost $100,000 a piece, are not covered under existing export control regulations.
--Barry Schweid, "US Asks Turks to Stop Equipment Shipments," Associated Press, 27 June 1981, Washington Dateline; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 27 June 1981, http://www.lexisnexis.com.

	Updated March 2006