If you are going to strike first, you really care about taking out as much counter strike possibilities. If 10% of your target's arsenal get's to retaliate beca

If you are going to strike first, you really care about taking out as much counter strike possibilities. If 10% of your target's arsenal get's to retaliate because of missile defense systems, that is terrible for the first-striker. Even if you don't want to strike first, there is still a great advantage to being able to do it better. Especially if your adversary knows about your capabilities but not your intentions. See for example north-Korea wanting nuclear weapons. Something similar might have played a role for Pakistan. Being a nuclear power gets you seats at certain tables. Being a more dangerous nuclear power gets you a better seat. This strategy has the weak point of enticing preventative measures, but it is a strategy at least.