PAKISTAN’S APPROACH TOWARDS THE PREVENTION OF ARMS RACE OF OUTER SPACE (PAROS): GAPS IN GLOBAL SPACE GOVERNANCE

Abstract

Outer space, long regarded as a domain for peaceful exploration, has increasingly become entangled in geopolitical competition and emerging military doctrines. The growing integration of dual-use technologies, anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities, and space-based defense systems has undermined the civilian-military distinction, exposing critical shortcomings in the existing legal architecture, particularly the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST). These developments threaten strategic stability, especially in regions like South Asia, where power asymmetries and a lack of transparency exacerbate risks. This paper examines Pakistan’s legal and strategic position on the weaponization of space, highlights its consistent advocacy for binding norms, equitable access, and non-militarization through multilateral forums such as the UN and the PAROS initiative. It argues that current voluntary regimes are insufficient to manage the complexity of modern space threats and calls for a revised governance framework that includes verification mechanisms, addresses legal gaps, and reflects the concerns of emerging spacefaring nations. Moreover, the study contributes to a broader understanding of how middle powers can shape inclusive, rules-based space governance in an era of intensifying competition.