Pakistan has continued to modernise its nuclear capabilities despite facing economic challenges, the top US intelligence official told Congress. During a recent hearing on China, Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse, who is the Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, informed Congress that the country’s defence policy remains heavily influenced by its strained relationship with India. According to Kruse, Pakistan has been seeking global assistance, including from the UN Security Council, to resolve its dispute with India over Kashmir. He also noted that the two nations have maintained an uneasy ceasefire along the shared Line of Control since February 2021.
In 2023, militants killed approximately 400 security forces, a nine-year high, and Pakistani security forces have conducted almost daily counterterrorism operations during the past year. Despite this, Kruse said Pakistan’s defence policy is still heavily influenced by its contentious relationship with India. However, there has been a decrease in cross-border violence between the two countries since they recommitted to a ceasefire in February 2021.
The relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has been strained for a long time, largely due to the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. In 2019, Pakistan reduced its diplomatic ties with India after the latter revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370 and created two Union Territories. India has expressed its desire for normal, friendly relations with Pakistan but insists that Islamabad must take responsibility for creating a peaceful environment free of terrorism and hostility. India also maintains that any constitutional measures taken in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are purely internal affairs.
Pakistan Nuke Program
Kruse briefed US lawmakers that Pakistan has sustained its nuclear modernisation efforts despite facing economic turmoil. Terrorist attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians have also increased in the past year, he said. As of January 2023, Pakistan reportedly has 170 nuclear warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
“Islamabad is modernising its nuclear arsenal and improving the security of its nuclear materials and nuclear C2 (command and control). In October, Pakistan successfully tested its Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile,” he said.
Team BharatShakti
