Pakistan Ammunition Shortage Amid India Tensions

Pakistan's military is facing a critical shortage of artillery ammunition, limiting its warfighting capabilities to just four days. This shortage is primarily due to arms deals with Ukraine, which have drained Pakistan's war reserves, and the inability of Pakistan — Pakistan Ordnance Factories to replenish supplies due to outdated facilities and surging global demand. The situation severely compromises Pakistan's military doctrine, which relies heavily on artillery and armored units to counter India's numerical superiority. Former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had previously acknowledged Pakistan's economic and logistical limitations for prolonged conflict. Pakistan's ongoing economic crisis, characterized by high inflation and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, further impacts its military operations, leading to cuts in rations and suspension of exercises. Amid rising tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has also engaged in cyberattacks against Indian websites. India has responded with diplomatic and economic measures, including banning imports from Pakistan.