If Pakistan fights an all-out war with India, the cash-strapped nations might not be able to keep up beyond 96 hours, according a report citing sources.
The revelation comes as the Pakistani military is struggling with shortage of artillery, which raises questions about its ability to survive even short-term battles.
The Pakistani army currently has ammunition that could last just 96 hours, i.e. four days, reports ANI. The report said the shortage of ammunition is caused by Islamabad's recent transfer of arms to Kyiv, including 155m artillery shells.
Though these arms are critical to Pakistan's artillery-heavy doctrine, the military was lured by lucrative deals that could make some quick money. The quick escalation of tensions with India has sent alarm bells ringing in the Pakistani power corridors as the country's M109 howitzers and BM-21 rocket systems are running short of stocks.
As per the report, the crucial matter came up for discussion at the Special Corps Commanders Conference on May 2. The shortage of arms and ammunitions comes as Pakistan is struggling with inflation, debt and low foreign exchange reserves.
Talking to the news agency, a senior defense analyst said, "Pakistan sailed its ammunition to distant wars, only to find itself stranded, its arsenals empty, and its defences teetering on the edge. The pursuit of short-term economic gain has inflicted a long-term strategic wound."
This comes as Pakistan's ambassador to Russia Muhammad Khalid Jamali said that Islamabad is not interested in getting into the debate of numerical strength and would use the "full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear.
Pakistan minister Hanif Abbasi has also threatened its neighbour, saying Islamabad's 130 nuclear warheads are kept "only for India".
