Why the U.S. Needs a Joint Task Force with Pakistan
For over 70 years, the world has narrowly avoided nuclear catastrophe. But today, the global nuclear order is shifting. Pakistan’s expanding nuclear capabilities, coupled with its ties to terrorist organizations, present a particularly volatile threat the United States cannot afford to ignore.
As the world’s fastest-growing nuclear state, Pakistan now possesses 170 nuclear warheads. At the same time, its military and intelligence service, the ISI, maintain disturbing connections with extremist groups. This dangerous nexus demands urgent action. The United States should establish a joint U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism task force to secure Pakistan’s nuclear assets.
Pakistan is far from stable. There are persistent fears that the state could implode and its military and intelligence institutions could be infiltrated by individuals linked to terrorist networks. Without direct and sustained U.S. involvement, Pakistan’s instability could lead to the unthinkable: the theft of a nuclear weapon or the sabotage of a nuclear facility. Additionally, the long-standing territorial dispute with India over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism could escalate into full-scale conflict—or worse, nuclear war.
For too long, Pakistan has benefited from unchecked support. Between 1948 and 2016, it received over $78 billion in U.S. military and economic aid. Yet, despite these billions, Pakistan has remained duplicitous. More than half of this assistance has been funneled into counterterrorism efforts, but Pakistan’s military and ISI continue to support the Taliban and other extremist factions.
The U.S. provides Pakistan $2 billion annually in aid, with little oversight. Of this, $100 million goes to the Strategic Plans Division (SDP) to secure Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. However, despite these investments, Pakistan continues to offer safe haven to dozens of terrorist organizations. Its military’s ongoing support for these groups increases the risk of a catastrophic nuclear attack by proxy.
A joint counterterrorism task force is crucial to establish effective oversight, reinforce strategic ties, and ensure a direct U.S. role in safeguarding Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile. A formalized framework would mitigate the risks of mismanagement and unauthorized access, securing critical components of nuclear security. This collaboration would bolster intelligence-sharing and allow both nations to identify and respond to emerging threats, drawing on their combined expertise in counterterrorism and human intelligence.
In addition to strengthening oversight, a joint task force could significantly enhance nuclear security through specialized training. U.S. experts in nuclear and cyber defense could provide essential training to Pakistani forces, improving their readiness to protect critical nuclear sites. Both nations already conduct nuclear security drills—often referred to as “Armageddon Tests”—to expose vulnerabilities at nuclear facilities. These exercises help identify personnel shortcomings and safeguard against potential breaches.
The presence of U.S. military personnel in Pakistan would also act as a strong deterrent against terrorist threats. American support in securing nuclear sites would reduce the likelihood of terrorist infiltration or large-scale attacks on nuclear facilities. Moreover, this cooperation would send a clear message to adversaries about the seriousness of nuclear security in the region.
Critics might argue that a U.S. military presence in Pakistan could infringe on the country’s sovereignty. However, the U.S. role would be limited to advisory, intelligence, and technical support functions, allowing Pakistan to maintain full control over its nuclear assets and overall security operations.
Another potential challenge is the risk of escalating tensions with India. The Kashmir conflict remains an unresolved flashpoint, with both sides claiming the entire region. An attack on military or civilian targets near the Line of Control could quickly spiral into a broader conflict. However, through diplomatic channels, the U.S. could reassure regional actors, including India, that the task force is defensive and focused solely on securing nuclear sites and combating terrorism rather than shifting the strategic balance in the region.
The global community cannot afford to let nuclear weapons fall into the wrong hands. This partnership could strengthen nuclear safeguards, prevent nuclear theft, and contribute to regional stability. The time to act is now—before the risks grow even greater. Together, we can transform a potential crisis into a cooperative triumph. Let’s seize this moment for a safer, more secure world.