ISLAMABAD: As the United States announced additional sanctions on entities contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, Pakistan’s government as well as independent security experts have termed the step, disappointing, “unfortunate and biased” and a reflection of international double standards that could jeopardise world peace.
In its reaction, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: Pakistan considers the US decision to impose sanctions on NDC and three commercial entities as “unfortunate and biased”.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reacts
“Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia. The latest installment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. Such policies have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond,” it said.
Regarding the strategic programme, it said it “is a sacred trust bestowed by 240 million people upon its leadership. The sanctity of this trust, held in the highest esteem across the entire political spectrum, cannot be compromised.”
Pakistan also regretted “the imposition of sanctions on private commercial entities. Similar listings of commercial entities in the past were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever. While claiming strict adherence to non-proliferation norms, licensing requirement for advanced military technology to other countries have been waived off in the past.”
Such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security, it added.
Strategic stability at risk
The US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, posted on X, “Today, the United States is designating four entities that are contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. We have been clear and consistent about our concerns, and we will continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.”
Analysts say Pakistan’s nuclear and missile program is primarily aimed at countering threats from neighbouring India.
Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali, on the State Department spokesperson’s announcement, raised concern in his post: Does this Pakistan-specific action indicate that in the absence of any US action, despite well-known Indian diversion of peaceful nuclear technology for its 1st nuclear weapon test and massive nuclear arms and missile build-up, regional and strategic stability is no longer a US goal?
Does this #Pakistan specfic action indicate that in the absence of any #US action,despite well-known #Indian diversion of peaceful #nuclear technology for its 1st #nuclearweapon test & massive nuclear arms & missile buildup, regional #strategicstability is no longer a US goal? https://t.co/sBgblsv1Vf
— Syed Muhammad Ali (@SyedAli78304182) December 18, 2024
Ali called the sanctions “short sighted, destabilising and divorced for South Asian regional strategic realities.”
In an interview given to a local TV channel, Ali commented that US tilt towards India indicate double standards and a discriminatory behaviour which is a threat to international peace. He called the sanctions “disappointing”.
Ali, in an interview given to BBCUrdu stated that MIRV missile has the added capability of confusing missile defence shield or a ballistic missile system. He shared that it has multiple warheads which are independently programmed and their flights paths are different too. Another expert added that the fact that the Ababeel missile is now operational, which is the real reason for US’ concern and the US worry is that Pakistan is working on more capable versions of it.
US State Department’s statement
The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, said in his statement released on December 18, 2024: In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
The statement further read: Pakistan’s National Development Complex – which is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long range ballistic missile program – and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise – which have worked to supply equipment and missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long range missile program – are being designated pursuant to EO 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items, by Pakistan.
The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, it added.
