“Pakistan has continued its nuclear modernization efforts despite economic challenges, driven by its strained relationship with India,” said Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, during a Congressional hearing on China.
Kruse highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to seek international support, including from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to address its dispute with India over Kashmir.
He also noted that Pakistan and India have maintained a fragile ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) since February 2021.
In contrast, India has taken steps to modernize its military and reduce reliance on Russian arms, according to Kruse.
“Despite economic challenges, Pakistan has continued its nuclear modernization efforts,” stated the top U.S. intelligence official. Additionally, he noted a rise in terrorist violence against Pakistani security forces and civilians in the past year.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Pakistan possesses 170 nuclear warheads as of January 2023.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal and Economic Struggles: A Complex Balancing Act
Facing economic challenges, Pakistan is seeking financial assistance from allies like China and Saudi Arabia. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is currently in Washington to negotiate a new loan package with the International Monetary Fund.
Lt. Gen. Kruse informed American lawmakers that Pakistan’s defense policy continues to be influenced by its strained relationship with India. However, there has been a decrease in cross-border violence since both countries recommitted to a ceasefire in February 2021.
Kruse highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal and enhance the security of its nuclear materials and command and control systems. He noted that Pakistan successfully tested its Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile in October.
Tensions Rise: Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Efforts and Diplomatic Frictions with India
In 2023, militants carried out attacks that resulted in the deaths of around 400 security personnel, marking a nine-year high. Pakistani security forces responded with nearly daily counterterrorism operations throughout the year.
The strained relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has deep roots, primarily stemming from the longstanding Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan.
Tensions escalated further in 2019 when Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations with India following the Indian government’s decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution.
This move altered the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided the state into two Union Territories.
