The 110 to 130 nuclear warheads that Pakistan has are aimed at preventing India from taking military action against the country, according to a report released by the United States Congress’ think tank, Congressional Research Service. In its 28-page report, it added that Islamabad was “producing fissile material, adding to related production facilities, deploying additional nuclear weapons and new types of delivery vehicles”, PTI reported.

A few observers are concerned about Pakistan’s nuclear activities and adoption of a doctrine called “full spectrum deterrence”, claiming it increases the risk of a nuclear conflict between the two countries.

Measures such as strengthened export control laws, improved personnel security, and international nuclear security cooperation programmes are believed to have improved Pakistan’s nuclear security, the CRS report said. However, it raised questions about how these reforms can withstand the rising instability in the country.