The article discusses the possibility of the US seizing Pakistan's nuclear weapons, citing concerns about their potential fall into the wrong hands. It highlights the lack of a clear Pakistani nuclear doctrine and its frequent use of nuclear threats against India.
Pakistan's nuclear program is primarily seen as a means to counter its perceived military weakness against India. Unlike India's 'No First Use' policy, Pakistan's ambiguous stance allows for the possibility of a preemptive nuclear strike.
The US reportedly has a contingency plan to secure Pakistan's nuclear weapons if they are deemed at risk. This plan involves mapping locations, operational sketches, and options to disable or destroy weapons if necessary.
The article outlines two potential strategies: a limited operation for a single missing weapon and a large-scale operation involving various military branches and specialists in case of a broader threat.
The article acknowledges that the sheer number of Pakistani nuclear weapons, their dispersed locations, and the lack of transparency make a complete seizure highly difficult. Even the exact number and locations of these weapons are uncertain.
The article notes that Pakistani leaders deny any threat to their nuclear arsenal and the existence of any US plan. However, sources suggest that Pakistan is aware of the US plan and has taken measures to disperse and secure its weapons.
The neutralization of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal would remove the threat of a nuclear attack against India, although it wouldn't necessarily lead to military conflict.