Guest Article by Brig RK Singh (Retd)

Following the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attacks, relations between India and Pakistan have reached a new low. India’s determination to punish terror outfits operating from Pakistan has left Pakistan severely shaken. Prior to Operation Sindoor, India took several steps to counter Pakistan diplomatically and economically. These actions included suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, closing its airspace, terminating trade, denying access to seaports for ships flying the Pakistani flag, canceling visas for Pakistani nationals, and deporting individuals from Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan has reacted with threats regarding its nuclear capabilities against India. During this period of heightened tensions, various Pakistani politicians and diplomats have resorted to issuing nuclear warnings to India. 

India remained focused on these threats, but the international community appeared to turn a blind eye. The strikes by India against terrorist installations across Pakistan were a fitting response to the Pahalgam attacks. In retaliation, Pakistan had launched assaults along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) using drones, aircraft, missiles, and artillery. From May 8 to 10, 2025, India has effectively countered these attacks, neutralizing drone incursions, missiles, fighter aircraft, and targeting airbases involved in the conflict.

As per the Prime Minister of India, Mr Modi, the cessation in hostilities is just a pause in Operation Sindoor. Pakistan has targeted both civilian areas and military installations from Sir Creek to Leh, covering an approximate frontage of 3,000 km. The Indian military has responded decisively. The significant and intense counterattacks against Pakistan, extensive damage to its airbases and assets, have prompted it to consider a path toward de-escalation, though this approach will always remain fragile. 

However, Pakistan’s status as a nuclear-armed nation raises concerns about its potential to resort to nuclear options in the future. An isolated nuclear Pakistan could potentially reorganize and relocate its terror assets, leading to a resurgence in attacks. Thus, it is imperative that the situation remains closely monitored.

It is intriguing that world leaders have allowed Pakistan to issue open nuclear threats against India in the past. For Pakistan, it seems that the Pahalgam terror attack and the possibility of a nuclear strike are viewed with equal seriousness. Militarily, India has responded only to terrorist organizations and those who perpetrate attacks, while Pakistan, despite being conventionally weaker, poses a nuclear threat with its doctrine of first use.

The world, particularly the West and China, must take note of the situation and bear the responsibility of sanctioning Pakistan for its irresponsible threats. There is a pressing need to disarm Pakistan’s nuclear assets due to its low threshold for using such weapons. Overlooking Pakistan’s acts of terror has already cost the USA dearly, yet no serious warnings have been issued regarding Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities during the pre-conflict and conflict phases.

At this juncture, the international community has the opportunity to act preemptively by disarming Pakistan of its nuclear weapons and restraining its aggressive behaviors. Pakistan has been deeply involved in terrorism, especially during its conflict with India, and has sought mediation from the USA, China, and others. It is the responsibility of the global order to compel Pakistan to reflect on its heinous acts of terrorism and to abandon its nuclear ambitions. A lenient approach will not suffice.

Before and during Operation Sindoor, the world’s silence in response to Pakistan’s nuclear threats seemed to indirectly discourage India from taking military action against terrorist organizations within Pakistan. This silence reinforces Pakistan’s determination to conduct further attacks, similar to the one in Pahalgam, and undermines India’s resolve against nations that sponsor terrorism. The international community cannot remain a passive observer.

The Western world must initiate sanctions against terrorism and unanimously place Pakistan on the FATF blacklist. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should compel Pakistan to dismantle terrorist organizations and hand over all perpetrators, rather than simply providing ideological support to India. Expecting rational behavior from Pakistan is unrealistic; therefore, the world needs to remain vigilant about the irresponsible management of nuclear weapons in Pakistan. According to open sources, Pakistan possesses approximately 160 nuclear units of various kiloton ranges, including some of tactical size.

The United States has been focused on Iran’s nuclear weapons, seeking either to eliminate them or enter into a treaty to prevent escalation. However, it has not applied the same level of scrutiny to Pakistan. This apparent double standard raises questions. Why is there such inconsistency? 

There is an expectation for the World Order to exert diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to ensure oversight of its nuclear capabilities, guarding against accidental use, the smuggling of fissile material, and the risk of these materials falling into the hands of terrorists. The dangers from these possibilities are significant. Pakistan has threatened to use nuclear weapons against India to counterbalance its conventional military shortcomings, and this threat has intensified since Operation Sindoor.

In the context of the Global South, India is a major power that acknowledges its responsibilities, while Pakistan appears as a troubled entity, with serious nuclear assets. Its support for terrorist organizations driven by a religious agenda hampers its development and reflects brutality and horror. Humanity must be protected from such threats, and nuclear disarmament should be a priority for global stakeholders. This includes international cooperation, diplomacy, and dialogue to compel Pakistan to abandon its nuclear weapons. 

The World Order must act decisively. The USA previously sought weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, yet Pakistan boldly acknowledges its willingness to use nuclear weapons without facing significant backlash. These dangerous silences from the World Order are deeply concerning.

The disregard that the political system of Pakistan shows towards its citizens is evident in regions such as Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Therefore, expecting Pakistan to respect others may be unrealistic. The insensitivity of Pakistan towards India is clearly manifested, with officials even advocating the use of nuclear weapons, treating it as a routine matter.

Geopolitical stability will be severely threatened if Pakistan continues to promote nuclear terrorism and influences its political class to support terror organizations aimed at harming India. Since the Army largely controls Pakistan, nuclear threats become part of their military strategy to alter narratives and protect terrorists. If terrorists gain control of Pakistan’s nuclear materials, it could create complex and dangerous situations for the global community.

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, it is crucial for the USA and China to address Pakistan’s nuclear terrorism as a priority in the United Nations Security Council. It is important not to underestimate the reckless nature of this situation, as it could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Meanwhile, India must stay vigilant in light of these warnings, as the threat may escalate following Operation Sindoor.