This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

25 May1988
Pakistan flight-tests a ballistic missile at a test range in the Thar Desert in southern Pakistan. The missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and is designed to reach Mumbai and New Delhi. A Pakistani government official says that the missile was of "home design" but produced with the assistance of Chinese experts.
—"News Summary," New York Times, 24 May 1988, <http://www.nytimes.com>; Lionel Barber, "Pakistan Tests 'Nuclear' Missile," Financial Times (London), 25 May 1988, <http://www.ft.com>; "Pakistan test-fires A-weapon missile U.S. journal reports," AP, 24 May 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 May 1988, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 May 1988
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies' annual survey, Pakistan has very few missiles. Pakistan's Army possesses multiple rocket launchers; its Air Force is armed with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles; the Navy has surface-to-air missiles.
—Bernard E. Trainor, "Pakistan Accused of a Nuclear Move," New York Times, 24 May 1988, Section A, p. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 May 1988, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 May 1988
The Pakistani report of the 24 May missile-test suggests that Pakistan has components for 42 missiles. It also refers to a "two-stage" missile. However, analysts believe that the two stages actually constitute two separate missile systems. The first missile, which probably measures 20ft in length, has a range of 50 miles; the second, which is a 32ft missile, has a range of 186 miles. Analysts speculate that the missiles in question are most likely Soviet Frog and Scud missiles; both missiles were designed by the Soviet Union to deliver nuclear munitions.
—Bernard E. Trainor, "Pakistan Accused of Nuclear Move, New York Times, 24 May 1988, Section A, p. 1; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 May 1988, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

25 May 1988
US Defense Department spokesperson Dan Howard questions reports about Pakistan's reported April 1988 ballistic missile test. With reference to the reported missile test, Howard says, "I certainly don't have any evidence of that." Another senior Reagan administration official adds that Pakistan does not possess missiles capable of delivering nuclear munitions. However, the New York Times reported earlier that a Reagan administration official had confirmed reports of a missile test by Pakistan.
—"Pentagon questions missile test report," St. Petersburg Times (Florida), 25 May 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 May 1988, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. casts doubt on Pakistan missile," Reuters, 25 May 1988; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 May 1988, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 February 1989
In an address to officers of the Pakistani Army, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Mirza Aslam Beg announces that Pakistan has recently flight-tested two indigenously manufactured missiles. Providing details about the range and payload of the missiles, he states that the missiles have a range of 50 miles and 185 miles, respectively; furthermore, both missiles can carry a payload of 1,100 pounds. However, Beg does not provide details on the timing and location of the tests. General Beg also asserts that the guidance systems used in the missiles were extremely accurate and developed in Pakistan.
—Ahmed Rashid, "Pakistan announces first successful test of its own missile," Independent (London), 6 February 1989; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 February 1989, <http://web.lexis-neixs.com>;

December 1988
Benazir Bhutto becomes prime minister of Pakistan and supports the acquisition of missiles from China and extending bilateral ties between Pakistan and North Korea in the nuclear and missile fields.
—Joseph Bermudez, "A silent partner," Jane's Defense Weekly, 20 May 1998.