Pakistan's nuclear arsenal currently includes around 165 warheads. These warheads contain a core of highly enriched and uranium HEU, implosion bombs and short-range solidfuel missiles. By 2025, this number could rise to around 200 warheads. There are approximately twenty facilities linked to Pakistan's Nuclear Program, including research reactors, reprocessing and gas-centruge facilities.
The US government is worried that Pakistan's arsenal of nuclear weapons may fall into terrorists' hands. There are many safety measures that can be taken to ensure the country's nukes remain safe. Permissive Action Links (a fail-safe system that requires you to enter a code before you can detonate a weapon) is one example of such measures. The system is designed to prevent accidental launches as well as safeguard against a catastrophe nuclear explosion.
Numerous reports about Pakistan's nuclear program state that Pakistan has made substantial progress towards advancing its nuclear capabilities. The United States provided financial assistance to Pakistan for its efforts to improve nuclear safety. Its assistance is part of the US budget and has paid for a number of security improvements. A program to train Pakistani officials was funded by the Bush administration, which cost almost $100 million.
Pakistan's leadership has repeatedly affirmed its confidence in the nuclear arsenal. Despite multiple political crises Pakistan has not stopped its plan to build a nuclear weapon. The country has produced several hundred kilograms (or more) of hydrogen enriched uranium. Pakistan's nuclear warheads currently use fifteen to twenty kilograms of U-235 as the core.
Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is managed by the National Command Authority, which is chaired by the prime minister and includes high-ranking civilian and military officials. The National Command Authority's main nuclear-related body is the Strategic Plans Division. It is responsible daily for nuclear command, control, civilian applications and nuclear strategy.
There are twenty or more sites associated with the nuclear program. A number of sites are used to store nuclear weapons, often in three or four parts. Some sites are underground. These underground sites may be used as storage or launch sites, depending on the size of the nuclear warhead.
The US Department of Defense repeated assurances to Pakistan about the safety of its nuke arsenal. However, the US government has questioned whether the Pakistani leadership is taking steps to reduce the risks of accidents.
Colin Powell, US Secretary Of State, offered Pakistan help to strengthen its nuclear arsenal security following the terrorist attack on World Trade Center in 2001. Bush also funded construction of a Pakistani nuclear security training centre. Senator Joseph Lieberman (who had been the chairman of Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee) was reassured.
Pakistan's nuclear program has been a long, complicated affair. Many people have a negative view of Pakistan's policies. However, there are many countries and groups who support its efforts. The country has developed a strong relationship with China and has received assistance from other Muslim nations as well.