Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, has issued a substantial nuclear threat against India, claiming that if Pakistan faces any imminent danger, the country will use its nuclear arsenal to destroy half the world, and not just limit the attack to India.
Is Munir making these assertions with American support? Does Pakistan host American nuclear weapons, providing Munir the leverage to make nuclear attack proclamations?
How Many Nuclear Weapons Does Pakistan Possess?
According to recent international expert reports and organizations, it is estimated that by 2025, Pakistan will have approximately 170 nuclear weapons. This figure is confirmed by credible sources like the Arms Control Association, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). However, a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) mentions 120 weapons, but most estimates align with the figure of 170.
Asim Munir's Empty Nuclear Threats... More Bluff Than Power in Pakistan
Source: aajtak
Global Nuclear Weapon Estimates (2025)
Russia: 5,580
USA: 5,044
China: 500
France: 290
United Kingdom: 225
India: 172
Pakistan: 170
Israel: 90
North Korea: 50
With 170 weapons, Pakistan's nuclear arsenal closely matches India's estimated 170-180. However, on the global stage, this number is minimal. Experts project that at the current rate of development, this number could reach 200 by 2025.
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No American Nuclear Weapons in Pakistan
The United States does not possess nuclear weapons in Pakistan. According to the Arms Control Association, America has not stationed its nuclear weapons in Pakistan. Instead, the US nuclear arsenal is primarily stored in certain European countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, and possibly others) under NATO agreements, controlled by the US, with host countries' military permitted to use them if necessary.
Source: aajtak
How Does Pakistan Maintain Its Nuclear Arsenal?
Pakistan securely stores its nuclear weapons in different locations away from missiles or vehicles, only preparing them when necessary.
The US-Pakistan Relationship
The United States and Pakistan have maintained a friendship, especially notable during the Cold War and the War on Terror, but no official arrangements involve the exchange or hosting of nuclear weapons.
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Pakistan's Nuclear Ambitions
Pakistan's nuclear program raises concerns for the US and other nations, given ongoing tensions with India and risks of weapons falling into the wrong hands.
The Power of Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons
Pakistan employs Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) in its weapons. As per 2014 estimates, Pakistan possesses 2.7-3.5 tons of HEU, sufficient for producing additional weapons. While these weapons are not confirmed by the Strategic Planning Division (SPD) to be assembled with their delivery vehicles (like missiles) during peacetime, they are believed to be ready when needed.
Source: aajtak
Key Missiles and Their Range
Shaheen-3: 2750 km (covers entire India and the Middle East)
Ababeel: 2200 km (MIRV technology, under development)
Nasr: 70 km (for battlefield use)
Babar-3: 450 km (submarine-launched)
Ghauri-2: More than 2000 km
These missiles have ranges covering India and nearby regions, not the entire world. The 1998 nuclear tests demonstrated a force of 12-40 kilotons, which may have increased today.
Comparing with India
India holds 170-180 nuclear weapons, adhering to a "No First Use" policy, in contrast to Pakistan's ambiguous stance. India's Agni missiles exceed Pakistan's range (3000-5000 km), portraying more formidable strength. India has dismissed Asim Munir's remarks as mere nuclear threats, questioning Pakistan's nuclear command structure.
