However, the Prophet's conduct during war limits or qualifies this by his directions to spare women, children, the aged and sick, people who are generally non-belligerent. It means that the general principle is that Muslims can only slay such persons if they take up arms. When undertaken, it must be pushed with vigour, but not relentlessly, and only to restore peace and freedom for the worship of God. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress you likewise against him. Thus, although the verse speaks primarily of Arab customs and conventions, it may also refer to other matters that are generally prohibited but are allowable under the basis of equality or reciprocity such as modern weapons of war.
Force is a dangerous weapon.
Even when we are fighting, it should be for a principle, not out of passion. In the context of Pakistan, the first Muslim nation to officially go nuclear, it is arguable that it is purely a defensive measure designed to balance threats and provocative actions by India. The government of Pakistan has had to explain that its hand was forced by the unilateral Indian tests and by recent statements from Indian officials. Others see the matter as significant beyond the confines of the politics of the Indian subcontinent. This has led some to argue that, perhaps, Pakistan going nuclear may not be the best way to achieve a stalemate with India which is basically what a nuclear arms race is all about.