India Pakistan tensions: Can bankrupt Pakistan sustain war with much powerful India? Experts make startling observations

India.com

05-05-2025

New Delhi: Pakistan's ability to fight a full-scale war with India on many fronts is very limited. According to experts, its dire economy, challenges in internal security, and lack of military equipment make it difficult for Pakistan to sustain prolonged military conflict. Pakistan's economic situation is quite poor and its GDP is only 374 billion dollars while its foreign exchange reserves are about 15 billion dollars. Pakistan is in no position to purchase essential items. It will have to ask the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and China for essential goods. A war will be economically devastating for the country.
In Balochistan, Baloch separatist groups and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan are continuously launching attacks. Additionally, the long-standing political instability and the military's interference in politics also weaken it as a country. The challenge of dealing with both conflicts with India and internal will weigh heavily on the Pakistan Army.
Pakistan has very little ammunition to attack and defend. The armed forces of Pakistan are trained and professional, but not in a better position in terms of military capability. With the requirement of specific ammunition, it will be difficult to ensure supply of the necessary weapons and military equipment.
Experts believe that since Pakistan has little stockpile of weapons and ammunition, it might resort to nuclear weapons. Pakistan has acquired advanced JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets from China, but in comparison, India has more and superior platforms that have proven their capability in warfare.
Over the past decade, India has significantly increased its domestic defense production capacity, and most of the army's needs are being met by domestic industry. That's not the case with Pakistan. Considering these factors, it can be said that Pakistan can hardly wage a full conventional war with India. If a war occurs, it will be difficult for Pakistan to last even a week. Its other resources will be exhausted very quickly in war. Chances are its economy will further deteriorate.