Just two days later The US has imposed sanctions Four Pakistani organizations accused of contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, the latter condemned the move, calling it “discriminatory” and warning of potential risks to regional peace and security.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued a stern statement on Thursday, warning that the sanctions “could have a dangerous impact on the strategic stability of our region and beyond”. Al-Jazeera.
The U.S. sanctions, which come in light of the continued proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development, freeze all U.S.-based assets associated with targeted Pakistani businesses and prohibit U.S. entities from engaging in business with them.
According to the US State Department, the Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC) is a sanctioned organization involved in procuring materials for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, including the Shaheen series. Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprises were also booked for their alleged involvement in arms proliferation.
In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations as baseless. “These sanctions are based on doubts and suspicions without any evidence,” the ministry said, adding that such actions reflect “double standards”, especially when the US gives concessions to other nations for advanced military technologies. Al-Jazeera reported.
The sanctions follow similar measures imposed earlier this year on foreign institutions, including a Chinese research institute, accused of supporting the program.
‘Emerging Threat to America’
US Deputy National Security Adviser John Finer has also expressed concern about the development of Pakistan’s missile technology. Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Finer said Islamabad’s long-range ballistic missile capability could potentially threaten targets outside South Asia, including the United States. Reuters Reported.
“Frankly, it’s hard for us to see Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States,” Finer noted. He also noted that the country has “increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that enables the testing of significantly larger rocket motors”. Reuters cited.
“If these trends continue,” Finer warned, “Pakistan will have the ability to strike targets outside South Asia, including the United States.”
Pakistan as a nuclear power
Pakistan, which became a nuclear power after testing its first nuclear weapon in 1998 — 20 years after India’s first test explosion — has long maintained a robust missile development program.
According to estimates by The Bulletin, an American scientific research organization, Pakistan has a stockpile of about 170 weapons. Reuters The report said.
As Pakistan criticizes US President Joe Biden’s warm ties with its long-time rival India and maintains close ties with China, the latest sanctions add another layer to strained relations between Pakistan and the US.
(- Al-Jazeera, with inputs from Reuters)
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