U.S. Warns: Pakistan's Long-Range Missiles Threaten Security

Pakistan’s missile ambitions have sparked global alarm as the U.S. accuses Islamabad of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of targeting regions far beyond its borders, including the United States.

The announcement, paired with sanctions on Pakistani entities involved in the missile development program, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations. The unfolding developments hint at a brewing arms race in South Asia, threatening to destabilize the region further.

Shocking U.S. Claims Against Pakistan's Missile Advancements

In a Dec. 19 speech hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer dropped a bombshell accusation: Pakistan is actively pursuing “increasingly sophisticated missile technology,” including long-range ballistic missiles. These advancements, he warned, could enable Pakistan to target locations well beyond South Asia, potentially reaching the U.S. mainland.

Finer labeled Pakistan’s missile activity as an "emerging threat to the United States," intensifying concerns over the country’s intentions and capabilities. The rhetoric signals Washington's growing unease with Pakistan’s strategic trajectory.

Sanctions on Pakistani Missile Developers

In tandem with the revelations, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions on four Pakistani entities under an executive order aimed at curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Among the sanctioned entities is the National Development Complex (NDC), directly responsible for Pakistan's ballistic missile program. The remaining three entities were penalized for providing the NDC with missile-related equipment.

“This is the first time the United States has directly sanctioned a Pakistani state-owned entity involved in missile development,” Finer emphasized, underlining the severity of the situation.

Pakistan Rejects U.S. Confidence-Building Proposals

Adding fuel to the fire, U.S. officials disclosed in a Jan. 3 briefing that Washington had proposed confidence-building measures to Pakistan. These included limits on missile testing ranges and sharing telemetry data from missile tests. Pakistan outright rejected these proposals, raising questions about its strategic intentions.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry neither confirmed nor denied the long-range missile development allegations. Instead, it defended its missile program as a safeguard for sovereignty and regional stability.

U.S. Warns of Expanding Capabilities

Senior U.S. officials noted that Pakistan’s capability to field operational long-range missiles is still several years away but pointed out that the development aligns with a longstanding effort to enhance missile range and payload capacity.

Experts fear these advancements indicate a shift in Pakistan's nuclear deterrence strategy. While the country has focused its arsenal on countering India, longer-range systems suggest ambitions to project power beyond South Asia.

A Regional Arms Race?

Pakistan’s missile program has long been intertwined with its rivalry with India. Currently, Pakistan's longest-range missile, the Shaheen-III, has an estimated range of 2,750 kilometers. In comparison, India has tested the Agni-V, capable of striking targets over 5,200 kilometers away, and is developing the Agni-VI to counter China's nuclear advancements.

This regional competition could be pushing Pakistan to expand its capabilities, with implications for global security.

Accusations of U.S. Discrimination

Pakistan has hit back at the U.S., accusing it of “discriminatory practices” that destabilize global nonproliferation efforts. The Foreign Ministry’s statement criticized the sanctions, claiming they undermine peace by exacerbating military asymmetries in the region.

It further accused Washington of bias, arguing that the U.S. is selectively targeting Pakistan while turning a blind eye to other states with expanding missile programs.

A Dangerous Path Ahead

The potential development of long-range missiles by Pakistan marks a dangerous turn in South Asia’s security landscape. Analysts warn that the move could trigger further escalation in the region, bringing India, China, and other stakeholders into the fold.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel expressed hopes for constructive dialogue but reiterated Washington’s firm stance against Pakistan’s missile program.

Conclusion: A Global Concern

Pakistan’s pursuit of long-range ballistic missiles signals a shift that could destabilize not only South Asia but also broader international security. With sanctions in place and diplomatic tensions escalating, the path forward remains uncertain. Will this spark meaningful dialogue, or will it deepen mistrust between the nations?

For now, the world watches with bated breath as one of the most volatile regions edges closer to a perilous arms race.

Source: Arms Control Today. For more updates, visit www.armscontrol.org.