Loud Thinking

While nuclear weapons remain a foundational element of Pakistan’s national security doctrine, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the changing nature of warfare demand a comprehensive and forward-looking defence strategy. In light of this, the Government of Pakistan must urgently pursue the following key initiatives:

1. Formation of a Dedicated Rocket Force Command

A specialized Rocket Force Command should be established, consisting of approximately 100,000 rockets with ranges of up to 5,000 kilometers. This capability would enable Pakistan to effectively deter and, if necessary, respond to strategic threats spanning from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the east to whole of Israel in West Asia,

The need for this force stems from the growing likelihood of future confrontations with adversaries such as India and Israel, both of whom have signaled intentions to target Pakistan’s critical infrastructure—including military bases, airports, industrial zones, dams, and communication networks.

2. Construction of Civilian Underground Shelters

To minimize civilian casualties in the event of conflict, the government must immediately launch a national program to construct underground shelters in major urban and high-risk areas. In addition to enhancing civil defence, this initiative would generate substantial employment, stimulate local industry, and expand engineering and infrastructure capacity—all without requiring foreign exchange outflows.

3. Revival and Modernization of the National Cadet Corps (NCC)

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) scheme should be revived and restructured to include training in modern domains of warfare such as cyber defense, drone operations, electronic warfare, information warfare, and disaster response. This would not only foster discipline and preparedness among the youth but also cultivate a skilled and aware civilian force that can support national defence efforts in times of crisis.

Conclusion

Contemporary warfare is increasingly characterized by non-nuclear, high-impact precision strikes aimed at crippling an opponent’s operational and economic capacities. With the notable exception of North Korea, future wars are likely to avoid nuclear escalation, placing greater emphasis on conventional capabilities and civil resilience. For Pakistan, this means building credible conventional deterrence, robust civilian protection systems, and a trained population—a holistic approach essential for safeguarding sovereignty and national stability in the years ahead.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
nayyarahmad51@gmail.com