Pakistan’s Shift in Nuclear Policy

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently emphasized that the nation’s nuclear program is dedicated solely to “peaceful purposes and self-defence.” This statement marks a significant departure from previous aggressive rhetoric by Pakistani officials, who had threatened nuclear retaliation against India. Mr. Sharif’s comments were made during an address to Pakistani students, highlighting a strategic shift in the country’s approach to nuclear diplomacy.

Contradicting Earlier Threats

The Prime Minister’s remarks come just weeks after Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, issued a stark warning. In May, Mr. Jamali told Russian media that Pakistan was prepared to use “the full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear,” in response to potential Indian military actions. He claimed that Islamabad had intelligence on India’s plans to target specific areas within Pakistan and warned that any disruption of Pakistan’s water supply would be met with nuclear force.

India’s Firm Stance on Terrorism

India has responded firmly to these threats, maintaining that it will not be swayed by nuclear intimidation. Following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 casualties, India launched Operation Sindoor. This military operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with Indian officials describing the strikes as “pre-emptive precision strikes.” Indian intelligence attributed the attack to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

International Implications

The ongoing tensions between these two nuclear-armed neighbors have drawn international attention. India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized that nuclear deterrence should not justify state-sponsored terrorism. Meanwhile, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that China remains a key defense partner for Pakistan, supplying a significant portion of its arms.

Conclusion

As regional tensions persist, Prime Minister Sharif’s recent statements may signal a move towards de-escalation. However, the underlying issues between India and Pakistan remain complex and multifaceted, requiring careful diplomatic navigation to prevent further conflict.