ISLAMABAD: National Command Authority adviser retired Lt-Gen Khalid Kidwai warned that Pakistan could rethink its force deployment.
He said Indian nuclear moves could upset the strategic balance in South Asia. At a conference in Islamabad, Kidwai cited the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). He referred to its findings on India’s nuclear forces.
Kidwai said India had placed nuclear warheads on a submarine for deterrence patrols. He also criticised what he called a lack of advance notice for ballistic missile tests.
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He said these steps raised the risk of miscalculation. Kidwai also questioned the direction of India’s no-first-use policy. He described the shift as an “irresponsible escalatory transition”.
Pakistan may “review and reconsider” its deployment options, he said. Kidwai linked any response to Pakistan’s full spectrum deterrence policy.
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He argued that weak contact between the neighbours made military signals harder to read. Pakistan and India have strained political ties. Limited contact between their defence structures can add to the risk of misunderstanding.
