US Influence On Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal Claimed By Ex-CIA Officer
Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has alleged that the United States exercised significant influence over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme during the presidency of Pervez Musharraf. He claimed that Washington provided extensive financial aid in return for control and oversight of Islamabad’s nuclear assets.
Musharraf’s Alleged Cooperation
Kiriakou said that Musharraf had effectively “sold” control of Pakistan’s nuclear command structure, allowing the U.S. to monitor and limit its use. He suggested that the arrangement was motivated by Washington’s fears of escalation with India, especially after the 2002 and 2008 terror attacks.
Funding And Strategic Leverage
According to his claims, millions of dollars were channelled into Pakistan’s military and intelligence networks as part of the deal. Kiriakou added that Pakistan could not have sustained a direct war with India without U.S. support, underlining its dependence on American backing.
Pakistan’s Denial
Pakistani authorities and nuclear officials have consistently rejected such allegations, maintaining that its nuclear arsenal has always remained under strict national control. While Kiriakou’s remarks have sparked debate, they remain unverified and continue to be dismissed by Islamabad as baseless.
