Pakistan’s growing nuclear stockpile
PTI, Washington
Pakistan’s growing nuclear arsenal and its evolving “tactical nuclear weapons” doctrine pose increasing risk of an “incident”, Pentagon’s top spymaster has warned.
“Pakistan’s nuclear weapons continues to grow. We are concerned that this growth, as well as the evolving doctrine associated with tactical weapons, increase the risk of an incident or accident,” Defence Intelligence Agency Director Vincent Stewart told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“Islamabad continues to take steps to improve its nuclear security, and is aware of the threat presented by extremists to its programmes,” Mr Stewart said in his testimony on Tuesday.
A Congressional report in January had estimated Pakistan’s nuclear warheads to be between 110 and 130 and that they are aimed at deterring India from taking military action against it.
Indian soldier rescued from Siachen dies
Dawn.com, New Delhi
Indian army Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad who was found buried under 25 feet of snow on the Siachen glacier following an avalanche has died three days after his rescue, Times of India reported.
“Lance Naik Hanamanthappa is no more. He breathed his last at 11:45am today,” a senior army official said.
Ten Indian soldiers were buried in under the avalanche on the glacier in India-held Kashmir (IHK) last week at an altitude of 19,600 feet. Koppad, who was found six days after the avalanche, was the only survivor.
US troops may remain in Afghanistan
Dawn.com, Washington
US military commanders have warned the Obama administration that thousands of American troops could remain in Afghanistan for decades, says a report published on Wednesday.
The Washington Post, which published the report, quoted a senior Pentagon official as telling its correspondents: “What we’ve learned is that you can’t really leave.”
“The local forces need air support, intelligence and help with logistics. They are not going to be ready in three or five years. You have to be there for a very long time.”
