Pakistan Undergoing A Large Scale Nuclear Expansion

In a new development that could spark a major rise in the region's arm race, Pakistan is building a new plutonium producing nuclear reactor that could produce enough plutonium for 40 to 50 nuclear weapons

According to reports published in the Washington Post, such a reactor could produce over 200 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium per year, assuming it operates at full power a modest 220 days per year.

Satellite photos show what appears to be the construction site for a larger nuclear reactor adjacent to Pakistan's only plutonium production reactor, according to an analysis by nuclear experts at the Washington-based Institute for Science, the newspaper said. 

Pakistan is capable of producing about 10 kilograms of plutonium a year, enough for about two warheads, the Post said.

The report raised concerns about relations between Pakistan and India, the nuclear-armed neighbours, who have fought three wars since their 1947 Independence.

India is believed to have 30 to 35 nuclear warheads of a sophisticated plutonium design while Pakistan has an estimated 30 to 50 uranium warheads, which are generally heavier and harder to mount on a warhead.