The 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment by the DIA shows that Pakistan still considers India its greatest threat and is working to strengthen its military and nuclear programmes. According to the report, Islamabad is investing in developing battlefield nuclear weapons to counter India’s stronger conventional military forces.

“Pakistan regards India as an existential threat and will continue to pursue its military modernisation effort, including the development of battlefield nuclear weapons,” the DIA stated.

The report notes that China continues to support Pakistan’s weapons programmes, including nuclear development. This support includes materials and technologies that may be routed through Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE.

China and Pakistan also hold regular military exercises. A new air force drill took place as recently as November 2024, underlining the depth of their defense partnership.

While Pakistan strengthens its military focus on India, India is increasingly viewing China as its main strategic rival, with Pakistan as a secondary challenge.

The DIA also points out that Pakistan does not follow a ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy, meaning it has not ruled out using nuclear weapons first in a conflict. In contrast, India has historically committed to this doctrine.

As of 2024, Pakistan is estimated to have about 170 nuclear warheads, a sharp rise from the 60–80 warheads projected in earlier years. This increase has raised fresh concerns about the nuclear arms race in the region.

The DIA report outlines Islamabad’s major military goals for the year, including:

  • Managing cross-border tensions,

  • Combating threats from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatist groups,

  • Continuing counterterrorism efforts, and

  • Ongoing nuclear modernisation.

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