Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal could grow from an estimated 140–150 to between 220 and 250 warheads within the next seven years, making it the fifth largest nuclear-weapon state in the world, according to a report.
The 12-page report published on August 31 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists authored by members of the Federation of American Scientists says that Pakistan was also developing several delivery systems.
“Pakistan continues to expand its nuclear arsenal with more warheads, more delivery systems, and a growing fissile materials production industry. We estimate that the country’s stockpile could grow to 220 to 250 warheads by 2025 if the current trend continues,” states the report, pointing out that this would make Pakistan the world’s fifth-largest “nuclear weapon state”.
The report first appeared in Jane’s Defence Weekly, a London-based magazine that reports on military and corporate affairs.
