Pakistan developing intercontinental nuclear ballistic missile that can reach US: Reports

Alarming new intelligence assessments suggest that Pakistan is actively developing a long-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile that could reach targets within the continental United States. If confirmed, this would mark Pakistan’s entry into an elite club of nations possessing intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability — a move the U.S. considers a serious strategic threat.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the White House and national security officials are closely monitoring Pakistan’s missile development programs, including large rocket engine tests and infrastructure that signal an ambition to significantly extend the range of its current arsenal. 

U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer termed Pakistan’s long-range missile development “an emerging threat,” though he clarified that the program is still several years away from being operational.

In response, the U.S. has already imposed sanctions on multiple Pakistan-based entities and individuals linked to the country’s missile development ecosystem. This includes state-run defense organizations reportedly involved in the testing and manufacturing of long-range missile systems.

Currently, Pakistan's most advanced known missile systems—such as the Shaheen-III (range ~2,750 km) and Ababeel (with MIRV capability, range ~2,200 km)—are categorized as medium-range ballistic missiles. These ranges are insufficient to reach the U.S. mainland, which lies over 10,000 km away from South Asia. True ICBMs require a minimum range of 5,500 km.

Despite these assessments, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “baseless,” “speculative,” and “devoid of rationality.” It stated that Pakistan’s missile program is aimed at maintaining regional stability, particularly in relation to India, and remains defensive in nature.

India, which has long cautioned the international community about Pakistan’s expanding strategic ambitions, has not officially commented on the latest developments but is reportedly observing the situation through its intelligence agencies.

In the meantime, U.S. officials have urged Islamabad to refrain from pursuing such advancements, warning that further escalation could destabilize not just South Asia but also global nuclear deterrence dynamics.