Pakistan’s Military Faces Severe Ammunition Shortage Amid Rising Tensions with India

GG News Bureau
Islamabad/New Delhi, 4th May: Pakistan’s military is facing a grave operational crisis with only enough artillery ammunition to sustain combat for 96 hours, triggering alarm across defense circles. The shortage, reported by news agency ANI quoting defense sources, severely undermines Pakistan’s ability to endure even a short-duration conflict, especially at a time when tensions with India are at a high following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

According to the report, the ammunition crisis stems largely from Pakistan’s recent exports of 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine amid the ongoing war in Europe. These exports, driven by lucrative arms deals and global demand, have left Pakistan’s strategic reserves dangerously depleted. The country’s M109 howitzers and BM-21 rocket systems, key components of its artillery doctrine, are reportedly operating under severe stock limitations.

Ammunition Woes Deepen as Production Stagnates

Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), the nation’s primary supplier of arms and ammunition, has failed to replenish these critical stocks in time. Sources suggest POF’s aging infrastructure and limited capacity are unable to meet the surging demands of the Pakistan Army. Despite efforts to prioritize domestic supply, the factories have fallen short of expectations, adding urgency to the situation.

The issue was prominently discussed at a Special Corps Commanders Conference held on May 2, where senior military officials reportedly expressed deep concern and explored emergency solutions. “Pakistan has sailed its ammunition to distant wars, only to find itself stranded, its arsenals empty,” said a defense analyst, criticizing the military’s short-term gains at the cost of strategic security.

Economic Crisis Paralyzing Readiness

The broader backdrop of Pakistan’s economic turmoil—featuring rampant inflation, rising debt, and diminishing foreign reserves—has added further strain on the military. Routine training exercises have been suspended, rations reduced, and fuel shortages have led to canceled war games, exposing a crumbling logistical backbone.

In a move seen as preparation for possible conflict, Pakistan has started constructing new ammunition depots closer to the Indian border. However, experts warn that without ammunition to fill them, these facilities offer limited real-time advantage.

Escalating Hostilities After Pahalgam Attack

This development comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people, including tourists and civilians. The attack has severely strained India-Pakistan ties.

In response, India took a series of retaliatory actions:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
• Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post
• Cancellation of all types of visas granted to Pakistani nationals
• Reduction in staff at the Pakistan High Commission
• Airspace restrictions for Pakistan International Airlines flights

Despite India’s warnings through backchannel communications, including military hotlines, Pakistan has continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control—ten consecutive nights of cross-border fire have been reported, signaling heightened aggression.

Strategic Dilemma Amid Diplomatic Isolation

Former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had earlier cautioned that Pakistan’s warfighting capacity was limited due to fiscal and logistical constraints. His prediction now appears to be unfolding, with Pakistan’s military caught between economic survival and strategic vulnerability.

As Islamabad navigates an increasingly hostile regional environment and a resource-strapped defense infrastructure, the implications for national security and regional peace remain deeply concerning.