Page 12 - The Indian EYE 090525

OPINION SEPTEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 12

The Real Game Behind

Pakistan’s Nuclear Ploy

Following the Pahalgam massacre in April and India’s firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their
supporters to justice—that saw action against groups operating from Pakistani territory—Pakistan

responded predictably. It entered denial mode and resorted to its familiar tactic of nuclear blackmail

DR RAJIV NAYAN

akistan has once again at-
tracted unfavorable attention
Pconcerning nuclear matters.
During a visit to the United States
(US), its Chief of Army Staff, Munir
Akram, issued a statement, including
a threat to use nuclear weapons reck-
lessly to target not only India but also
half of the world. This provocative
declaration was ostensibly aimed at
pressuring the international commu-
nity and India to grant concessions to
Pakistan regarding the Indus Water
Treaty (IWT). What is the signifi-
cance of this statement? Does it rep-
resent any new development?
As the spokesperson of the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
aptly stated: “Nuclear saber-rattling
is Pakistan’s stock-in-trade.” The
Pakistani leadership is known for
occasionally making this kind of ir-
responsible statement. So, to a large
extent, there is nothing new about
the posturing. The reason for making
the statement (IWT), though, may
have changed. In the past, such state- Pakistan’s nuclear signaling succeeded in convincing a segment of the international community—particularly in the West—that its leadership,
ments were issued by the Pakistani influenced by a jihadi mindset, might resort to nuclear use (File photo)
government in response to India
contemplating military action against
Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, India ister and President. As critics point for no rhyme or reason. It thus re- to bring the perpetrators and their
getting clean exemptions in the Nu- out, the US swears by democracy and sorted to nuclear blackmail not only supporters to justice—that saw action
clear Suppliers Group (NSG), NSG hugs authoritarians in practice. The as a tactic but also as a strategy. against groups operating from Paki-
members supporting India’s mem- US action vis-à-vis Munir Akram The Pakistani MFA statement, stani territory—Pakistan responded
bership, and the like. aptly substantiates this. meanwhile, notes that Pakistan predictably. It entered denial mode
Moreover, as the Indian govern- Quite interestingly, the Ministry stands against nuclear blackmail and and resorted to its familiar tactic of
ment has highlighted and extensively of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Pakistan states: “Pakistan remains firmly op- nuclear blackmail. Is this outdated
covered by the media, the statement responded strongly to the statement posed to the use or threat of use of nuclear scaremongering strategy still
was ‘made from the soil of a friendly made by the MEA spokesperson. It force [nuclear force].” Moreover, the effective in 2025? Pakistan’s nuclear
third country’, that is, the US. This claimed that the spokesperson, the statement adds: “We also note with rhetoric offers little strategic, security,
is rather unfortunate. It creates the media, and the global strategic com- concern a pointless reference to the or diplomatic benefit. This prompts a
impression that the statement was munity’s reaction was based on dis- third countries…” Given that Paki- key question: Why is that the case?
aided and abetted by the US estab- torted facts and ‘twisting statements stan never hesitated to involve a third Pakistan’s First Use nuclear doc-
lishment, which has been engaging out of context’. The MFA spokes- party in a bilateral or Pakistan-in- trine inherently creates a strategic di-
the army chief while ignoring the person seemingly distanced Pakistan duced dispute, these statements by lemma—when should it use nuclear
Pakistani political leadership. The from destroying India and the world. the MFA look odd. weapons? To act decisively, a thresh-
Trump Administration is completely In the past, the country frequently Following the Pahalgam massa- old or red line, crossing which would
overlooking Pakistan’s Prime Min- threatened to use nuclear weapons cre in April and India’s firm resolve Continued on next page... >>

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