In May 1998 , soon after Indian nuclear tests , Sharif vowed that his country would make a suitable reply . On 14 May , Leader of the Opposition Benazir Bhutto and MQM called for nuclear tests , followed by calls from the public . When India tested its nuclear weapons the second time , it caused a great alarm in Pakistan and pressure mounted on Sharif . On 15 May , Sharif put the armed forces on high-alert and called a National Security Council meeting , discussing the financial , diplomatic , military , strategic and national security concerns . Only Treasure Minister Sartaj Aziz opposed the tests , due to the economic recession , low foreign exchange reserves , and economic sanctions
Indian nuclear tests
Pokhran-II
Nawaz Sharif