Lahore: Ever since the Indian Armed forces carried out precision strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, followed by attacks on several of its airbases in the four-day military confrontation between May and 10, there has been speculation that our neighbours are gearing up to bolster their defence capabilities.
Amid buzz over Islamabad looking to upgrade its nuclear arsenal with support from China, it has been reported that Pakistan is developing a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States.
According to a report published by American magazine ‘Foreign Affairs’, Pakistan will be viewed as a nuclear adversary by the US if it does make or acquire such a weapon.
“If Pakistan acquires an ICBM, Washington will have no choice but to treat the country as a nuclear adversary. No country with ICBMs that can target the United States is considered a friend,” the report quoted US officials as saying.
Over the years, Pakistan’s official position has been that its nuclear programme is strictly focused on deterring India, developing short and medium-range missiles.
ICBMs, though, are a different beast. These missiles can be armed with nuclear and conventional warheads, and are capable of hitting targets over 5,500 km.
Pakistan doesn’t currently have ICBMs in its arsenal.
In 2022, Pakistan had tested Shaheen-III, a surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile with a range of over 2,700 km, which brings a number of Indian cities within reach.
What could be the reason for Pakistan developing an ICBM?
According to officials, its aim may be to deter the US from trying to eliminate its nuclear arsenal in case of a preventive attack. Washington’s strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran might have given Pakistan even more motivation.
The intercontinental ballistic missile may also prevent America from intervening on India’s behalf if the neighbouring countries clash again.
Whatever be Pakistan’s logic, the US is viewing the possible development with great concern, according to the report.
Only last year, the US imposed fresh sanctions related to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.
