Despite facing economic challenges, Pakistan persists in its nuclear modernization efforts, as highlighted by a senior US intelligence official during a recent Congressional hearing. The official emphasized that Pakistan’s defense strategy is significantly shaped by its complex relationship with India.
Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, made these observations while testifying at a Congressional hearing on China earlier this week.
Kruse informed lawmakers about Pakistan’s endeavors to seek international assistance, including from the UN Security Council, to address its dispute with India over Kashmir. He also noted the uneasy ceasefire between Islamabad and New Delhi along the Line of Control since February 2021.
Despite economic difficulties, Pakistan remains committed to its nuclear modernization agenda, Kruse stressed. He also drew attention to the increase in terrorist attacks against Pakistani security personnel and civilians in the past year, stating, “Pakistan persists in its nuclear modernization efforts despite economic challenges. There has also been a rise in terrorist attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians.”
As of January 2023, Pakistan reportedly possesses 170 nuclear warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
To tackle financial constraints, Pakistan is seeking support from allies such as China and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, is currently in Washington negotiating a new loan package with the International Monetary Fund.
Kruse highlighted that Pakistan’s defense strategy remains influenced by its tense relationship with India. He mentioned a decrease in cross-border violence between the two countries since they renewed their commitment to a ceasefire in February 2021.
“Islamabad is bolstering its nuclear arsenal and improving the security of its nuclear materials and command and control systems,” Kruse remarked. He also mentioned the successful test of Pakistan’s Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile in October.
In 2023, the number of security forces killed by militants reached a nine-year high, with around 400 fatalities. Pakistani security forces have been engaged in nearly daily counterterrorism operations over the past year.
The historical tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi revolve primarily around the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan.
In 2019, Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with New Delhi following India’s revocation of Article 370, which changed the status of Jammu and Kashmir. India maintains its desire for normal relations with Pakistan, emphasizing Islamabad’s responsibility to create a terrorism-free environment for engagement.
India asserts that the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir aim at promoting socio-economic development and good governance, stating these are internal matters.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
