‘Dangers of N-energy outweigh benefits’

Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy, prominent Pakistani nuclear physicist and defence analyst, talks about religion, nation-state, nuclear weapons, and the Pathankot attack.

Excerpts from an interview to this newspaper:

Q: You are in Hyderabad to speak on “Reimagining Pakistan” in the Hyderabad Literary Festival. What do you mean by that

A: Although Pakistan was made in the name of Islam, the experience of the last 70 years has shown that religion is not a sufficient reason for the existence of a nation and that there is more to a nation than just religion. Now, Pakistan has to reimagine itself as a secular entity. India and Pakistan are engaged in a nuclear race. Spending on defence is a waste. You create some industries but they are still wasteful.

Q: Both India and Pakistan have been stressing on the need of nuclear energy for satisfying their energy needs for development. What is your take on it

A: Ruling classes in India and Pakistan do not care about their people. Countries who were so much in love with nuclear energy have now turned against it. In the last 20 years, not one new nuclear reactor has been commissioned in the US. The reason is that dangers of nuclear power are more than that of any other threats.

Q: You have been vocal against mixing of religion with science

A: If you are a Pakistani child then you will be told that all of science has been created by Islamic scholars. You see this attempt in India too. Of (Narendra) Modi saying that the trunk of Lord Ganesh is proof that Hindus knew about plastic surgery and jumbo jets flying between planets. All these are not based on facts but myths.

It is good to be proud of one’s culture and history but not at the expense of truth.