Pakistan’s Stance On Missile Proliferation – OpEd

In an era of widespread deception, it is critical to scrutinise and refute false narratives using strong, verifiable evidence. An incendiary story circulating recently by the Indian media source Hindustan Times claimed that Pakistan is going to supply Iran with Shaheen II medium-range ballistic missiles amid increased regional tensions following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

This piece of disinformation is not just deceptive, but also purposefully meant to exacerbate an already tense situation. This article will dismantle this Disinformation by presenting Pakistan’s Stance on Missile Proliferation.

The Misleading Narrative

According to the Hindustan Times, Islamabad and Tehran are on the verge of collaborating militarily, with Pakistan reportedly preparing to transfer sophisticated missile technology to Iran. Other media outlets have mimicked and exacerbated this story, causing unwarranted anxiety and confusion. Furthermore, the White House has issued remarks emphasising its support for Israel and citing reported movements of Iranian missile launchers, adding fuel to the speculative fire.

The Reality: Debunking the Myths

1. Iran’s Existing Missile Capabilities

Iran possesses a well-documented and vast arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles that it has built on its own over the years. These include the Shahab-3, which has a range of up to 2,000 km, as well as the more modern Khorramshahr missile, which has a similar range. These missiles are capable of reaching targets well beyond Israel, making the idea that Iran would need to purchase missile technology from Pakistan ludicrous and factually inaccurate. Iran’s ability to produce missile technology on its own eliminates the need for outside help in this area.

2. Pakistan’s Strategic Posture

Pakistan’s missile program, notably the Shaheen series, is painstakingly planned for deterrence against India. Islamabad has often stated that its nuclear-capable delivery systems are meant purely to deter and strike India in the event of war. The Shaheen III, with a range of 2,750 km, is specifically designed to cover Indian territory, highlighting Pakistan’s emphasis on regional security rather than extra-regional goals. Unlike India, which has expressed ambitions for greater reach through its missile capabilities, Pakistan remains staunchly committed to a defensive posture devoid of expansionist goals.

3. Commitment to Non-Proliferation

Pakistan’s military policy is based on non-proliferation rules. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan has put in place strict restrictions and safeguards to prevent the spread of nuclear technology. The proposal that Pakistan transfer a nuclear-capable delivery system to Iran contradicts its long-time policies and international obligations. Islamabad has continuously proved its dedication to stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction via strict control and international collaboration.

4. Rational Actor in Regional Stability

Pakistan’s strategic judgements are characterised by rationalism and a thorough awareness of regional security issues. Exporting nuclear-capable missiles to Iran would not only draw international condemnation, but it would also destabilise the region, creating new rivals and heightening tensions. Pakistan’s activities on the international scene demonstrate a deliberate attitude to sustaining regional peace and avoiding avoidable wars. This sensible and responsible action demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

The Geopolitical Context

The timing of this Disinformation effort is also noteworthy. The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, as well as the resulting regional tensions, have created fertile ground for such unfounded charges. By tying Pakistan to Iran’s missile capability, Indian media attempts to shift attention away from its regional manoeuvres and domestic problems. Furthermore, this narrative seeks to strain Pakistan’s relations with major foreign stakeholders, especially the United States, complicating diplomatic relations and jeopardising regional stability

Responsible journalism is more important than ever in an era when information warfare is becoming a tactic of statecraft. Media sources have a responsibility to verify information and avoid sensationalism, which can escalate geopolitical tensions. The Hindustan Times story on Pakistan and Iran is a striking reminder of how disinformation can be weaponised to further political goals. To prevent false narratives from spreading, journalists and media organisations must adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and integrity.

The Importance of Fact-Checking and Verification

Fact-checking and verification are critical tools for combatting disinformation. A comprehensive fact-check on the Hindustan Times piece will expose the allegations to be implausible. Pakistan’s missile technology is intended for particular defence goals, and its transfer to Iran goes against both strategic rationale and state policy. Similarly, Iran’s missile capability is well-documented and does not require external assistance. Media outlets may avoid the spread of disinformation by prioritising fact-checking and verification, resulting in a more informed and fair public conversation.

The international community has a responsibility to play in countering disinformation. Diplomatic channels and international organisations can serve as platforms for clearing misconceptions and combating false narratives. By encouraging communication and collaboration, the international community may contribute to reducing the impact of disinformation and promote a more realistic understanding of geopolitical reality. In this situation, governments must engage in open communication and establish confidence through verifiable actions and pledges.

Conclusion: Seeking Truth in a Sea of Disinformation

The charges that Pakistan supplied Shaheen II missiles to Iran are a perfect example of Disinformation intended to destabilise regional dynamics. The international community must separate reality from fiction and comprehend the strategic reasons behind such propaganda. Pakistan remains a responsible nuclear state, with a strong emphasis on regional stability and nonproliferation. The maintenance of false narratives only serves to divert attention away from genuine concerns and impedes meaningful conversation in the goal of regional peace and security.

By critically investigating and exposing such disinformation, we may ensure a more educated and balanced view of world events. This strategy promotes a culture of trust and collaboration over mistrust and conflict. In the face of deception, the pursuit of truth and factual accuracy remains our most effective weapon. We can combat the propagation of false narratives by working together to create a more stable and peaceful global order.