The latest annual report released by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on May 25, 2025, paints a revealing picture of Pakistan’s security situation. Prepared for the House Armed Services Subcommittee, the report highlights Pakistan’s ongoing military struggles, the rising threat of terrorism, and its nuclear weapons program. The findings show a country facing significant internal and external security challenges.
Pakistan’s Top Military Priorities for 2025
According to the report, Pakistan’s military focus this year will be on:
Border skirmishes with neighboring countries
Increasing attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch nationalist insurgents
Counterterrorism efforts that have yet to stabilize the situation
Modernization of its nuclear arsenal
Despite continuous military operations against insurgents, Pakistan saw over 2,500 deaths due to terrorism in 2024, underlining the country’s fragile security environment.
Pakistan Views India as Its Biggest Existential Threat
The DIA report underscores Pakistan’s perception of India as the greatest threat to its existence. Islamabad is aggressively upgrading its military capabilities to counter India’s power, including developing tactical nuclear weapons designed for battlefield use. Pakistan is expanding and securing its nuclear arsenal, improving command and control systems, and sourcing weapons-related materials largely through foreign suppliers—primarily China—via complex routes through Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE.
Growing but Strained China-Pakistan Military and Economic Ties
While the report acknowledges increased military and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, including joint military exercises such as a new aerial drill in November 2024, tensions are also rising. Attacks on Chinese nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have strained the relationship. In 2024, seven Chinese citizens were killed in Pakistan, fueling diplomatic unease between the two allies.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Ambitions and Regional Power Play
Pakistan continues to view its nuclear weapons program as a key strategic tool to strengthen its position in South Asia. However, ongoing terrorism and border conflicts threaten both its internal and external security. The report warns that Pakistan’s instability poses a serious risk not only to itself but to regional peace and stability as a whole.
Is Pakistan Becoming a Danger to Itself and the Region?
The DIA’s assessment highlights a paradox: Pakistan, which seeks to secure itself through military and nuclear strength, may inadvertently be undermining its own safety. Its nuclear ambitions, coupled with persistent terrorism and border tensions, risk escalating conflicts and destabilizing the region further.
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