Who Controls Pakistan’s Nuclear Button & What Is Its Policy? | Explained

Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 17:50 IST

As per a SIPRI report, as of January 2024, India possessed 172 nuclear weapons, slightly more than Pakistan’s 170

Pakistan's Command Authority (NCA) is tasked with ensuring the security of its nuclear weapons. (Representative/AP File)

In a strong response to the killing of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, by armed TRF (The Resistance Front) terrorists in J&K’s Pahalgam, India has implemented a series of measures against Pakistan, signalling a deterioration in relations between the neighbouring nations.

India has suspended the longstanding Indus Water Treaty and halted the SAARC visa scheme for Pakistani nationals. Additionally, India has expelled Pakistan’s military attaché, reduced diplomatic staff, and closed the Attari border, with a May 1 deadline for cross-border return.

These measures aim to send a clear warning to the Shahbaz Sharif government and have triggered panic in Pakistan.

In an interview with UK-based newspaper The Sky, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the dispute stemming from the Pahalgam incident could escalate into a major conflict between the two countries. Asif stated that Pakistan would respond appropriately to any steps taken by India, cautioning that the situation could have dangerous consequences given both nations possess nuclear weapons. However, he expressed hope that the issue could be resolved through dialogue.

Who Controls Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons

The looming threat of war raises sensitive questions about the control of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. In Pakistan, nuclear weapon control lies with the top leadership, including the President and the Prime Minister, with oversight provided by the Nuclear Command and Control System (NCCS). The President and the Prime Minister make the final decision to use nuclear weapons jointly. The military, responsible for the security and launching of these weapons, has significant involvement in this process.

When Did Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme Start

Pakistan initiated its nuclear programme in the 1970s to match India’s capabilities, following India’s first nuclear test in 1974.

Pakistan, with technical assistance from Cuba and China, conducted its first nuclear test in 1998 in response to India’s tests under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Since then, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal has steadily grown.

Who Ensures The Security Of Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons

Pakistan’s Command Authority (NCA) is tasked with ensuring the security of its nuclear weapons and has adopted several measures to prevent unauthorised access. The NCA, comprising the President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other key officials, coordinates the deployment, use, and security of Pakistan’s nuclear forces.

How Many Nuclear Weapons Do India And Pakistan Have

According to a report by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of January 2024, India had slightly more nuclear weapons (172) compared to Pakistan (170). The report suggested that India might expand its nuclear arsenal and develop new types of nuclear systems, with a focus on long-range weapons capable of reaching China.

What Is Pakistan’s Nuclear Policy

Pakistan, which is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), has not declared a ‘No First Use’ policy. The country maintains a strategy of keeping its nuclear weapons separate from missiles. Pakistan has indicated that it would use any weapon in its arsenal to defend itself if attacked, even if India does not use nuclear weapons first.

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