Pakistan’s Nukes – Are They Really Under US Control? A CIA Insider Drops a Bombshell
So, a former CIA guy just dropped a truth bomb—or maybe it’s just a smoke bomb, who knows? He claims Pakistan’s nuclear weapons aren’t entirely in Pakistan’s hands. Yeah, you heard that right. According to him, some US general is calling the shots behind the scenes. Social media’s losing its mind over this, obviously. But here’s the thing—this isn’t the first time we’re hearing stuff like this. Remember that Pakistani journalist who said the US was basically running the Nur Khan Airbase? Wild, right? Let’s break this down without the usual robotic jargon.
1. The CIA Leak That’s Got Everyone Talking
1.1 The Big Claim
Some ex-CIA officer—name not given, because of course—said in an interview that Pakistan’s nukes are “under the supervision” of a US military official. Now, that’s a loaded statement. If true, it means Pakistan’s most powerful weapons might need a thumbs-up from Uncle Sam before they can even think about using them. Crazy, but is it possible?
1.2 What’s the US General Supposedly Doing?
Details are fuzzy, but the gist is that this general has a say in how Pakistan’s nukes are handled. The US has helped Pakistan’s nuclear program before—money, tech, all that Cold War stuff—but straight-up control? That’s next-level. And honestly, it sounds like something out of a spy movie.
2. Social Media’s Having a Field Day
2.1 Twitter Wars and Reddit Debates
#USControlsPakistanNukes started trending almost instantly. Defense nerds on Reddit are split—some say it’s legit, others call it pure fiction. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon guy, said it’s “plausible but unverified.” Meanwhile, Pakistani commentators are rolling their eyes, calling it more Western fearmongering.
2.2 Who’s Buying It?
People who believe this point to history—like how the US kept an eye on Pakistan’s nukes after 9/11. But skeptics argue Pakistan’s National Command Authority (NCA) would never let outsiders near their toys. And Islamabad’s been pretty clear: “Our nukes, our rules.”
3. US and Pakistan: A Messy Nuclear History
3.1 From Friends to Frenemies
Back in the Cold War days, the US pumped billions into Pakistan’s military, nukes included. But then the Pressler Amendment happened, and the money dried up. So, did the US leave behind some strings attached? Maybe. Or maybe not.
3.2 That Airbase Drama
In 2021, journalist Kamran Khan said the US was basically running Nur Khan Airbase—where Pakistan keeps some of its nuclear-capable jets. The military denied it, but now this leak has everyone digging up old rumors.
4. What If This Is True? The Fallout
4.1 Pakistan’s Sovereignty Question
If Pakistan’s military is taking orders from the US, the public won’t take it well. Anti-US feelings are already sky-high there. And the military? They’re the real power in Pakistan—if people think they’re just US puppets, things could get ugly.
4.2 India and China Watching Closely
India’s probably sweating bullets right now. If the US can stop Pakistan from using nukes, does that make India safer—or just angrier? And China? They’ve got billions tied up in Pakistan’s economy. If the US is pulling strings, Beijing won’t stay quiet for long.
4.3 Why Would the US Even Do This?
Two words: damage control. The US doesn’t want nukes falling into the wrong hands, especially with terror groups lurking around. But if this got out, it’d be a diplomatic nightmare. So, risky move.
5. Fact or Fiction? Let’s Be Real
5.1 Where’s the Proof?
Here’s the problem—there isn’t any hard evidence. No documents, no official CIA statement. Just some guy talking. And remember that 2018 rumor about US techs in Pakistani silos? Yeah, that went nowhere too.
5.2 What the Experts Say
Toby Dalton, a nuclear policy researcher, called this “highly speculative.” Another ex-Pentagon guy, David Ochmanek, said Pakistan’s command structure makes outside control pretty unlikely. So, grain of salt and all that.
6. Pakistan’s Response: Deny, Deny, Deny
6.1 Official Line
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said this is all “baseless.” Their nukes are 100% under their control, end of story. The military hasn’t said much, though—which is either a red flag or just them ignoring nonsense.
6.2 Media Blackout?
Mainstream Pakistani news isn’t touching this much. Pro-military channels are calling it fake news, while independent journos are like, “Hey, can we get some answers here?”
7. What’s the World Saying?
7.1 India’s Playing It Cool
No official reaction yet, but security folks there are whispering about “strategic asymmetry.” Basically, if Pakistan’s nukes aren’t fully theirs, it messes up the whole balance.
7.2 China’s Staying Quiet
Beijing’s not saying a word—probably because they’ve got $60 billion riding on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. No need to rock the boat.
7.3 US? Crickets.
State Department’s not commenting, but some Pentagon insider (anonymous, of course) called the claim “wildly exaggerated.” Shocking.
8. Conspiracy Theory or Legit Concern?
8.1 Why Some People Believe It
The US has a history of keeping tabs on Pakistan’s nukes. Plus, money talks—if the US is still funding stuff, maybe they’ve got some leverage.
8.2 Why It’s Probably Not True
Pakistan’s NCA is stacked with their top military and political brass. Letting a foreign general in? That’s a recipe for chaos—and not the kind anyone wants.
9. Bottom Line: Why This Matters
Whether this leak is real or just noise, it shows how fragile nuclear transparency is. If Pakistan’s sovereignty is compromised, the whole region’s stability is on thin ice. But if it’s all fake? Then it’s proof that a single rumor can set the world on edge. Either way, we need answers—and not the vague, political kind.
10. Quick FAQs (Because People Keep Asking)
Q1: Has the US ever controlled another country’s nukes?
Yep—back in the Cold War, NATO allies had “dual-key” systems where the US had veto power. So, not unheard of.
Q2: How does Pakistan’s nuclear command work?
The NCA—chaired by the Prime Minister—calls the shots, but let’s be real, the military runs the show.
Q3: What’s the military’s role in all this?
They dominate the NCA, which… yeah, doesn’t exactly scream “civilian oversight.”
Q4: Should India be worried?
Maybe. If Pakistan can’t use nukes without US approval, India might start questioning their deterrent. Messy.
Q5: Why would a CIA guy leak this?
Could be a whistleblower. Could be disinfo. Without proof, it’s all just guessing.
Source: Navbharat Times – Default