Pakistan has warned that space weaponization has moved beyond theory and into operational deployment, arguing that a legally enforceable convention on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) is more important than ever. The position was put forward by Pakistan’s delegate, Husham Ahmed, during the UN General Assembly’s First Committee thematic debate on Disarmament and International Security on Thursday.
Ahmed said humanity’s survival is increasingly tied to orbital infrastructure and called for a broad approach that keeps outer space free from conflict for future generations. He also noted that weapons in orbit were formally recognized for the first time last month.
Missile defense integration seen as risk to stability
Ahmed warned that linking missile defense with space-based systems could jeopardize global strategic stability. He said such deployments risk provoking countermeasures and disrupting international security through an unsustainable arms race.
Although the window to prevent the weaponization of outer space remains open, he said recent announcements have narrowed it considerably. For that reason, he argued, the international community must act now before deployments become irreversible.
Pakistan calls for binding obligations over voluntary guidelines
Ahmed stressed the need for formal international frameworks to stop the militarization of space, saying non-binding guidelines are no longer enough to protect the global commons. He acknowledged that transparency measures and voluntary guidelines from the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) are useful steps, but said they cannot replace a formal treaty.
Pakistan has reiterated its concrete proposals setting out basic obligations for a potential legally binding PAROS treaty. Speaking about the OEWG, Ahmed said, “The OEWG on PAROS in all its aspects offers a unique platform to bridge differences, where useful discussions are taking place.” He added, “We must build on these discussions to lay the foundation for both legally and non-legally binding measures.”
