The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has condemned the recent US sanctions on four Pakistani entities, labeling them as "biased" and counterproductive to regional and global peace. These sanctions, announced on Wednesday, target entities allegedly involved in Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, including the Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies—Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, the FO criticized the US decision, stating:
“Such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security.”
Context of Sanctions
The sanctions are part of broader US measures targeting entities contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Previously, the US has imposed similar sanctions on firms from Pakistan, China, and the UAE, citing concerns over weapons and drone development in Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistan’s Response: Defending Sovereignty and Stability
The FO emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are designed solely to defend its sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in South Asia. The statement warned that the sanctions exacerbate military imbalances in the region:
“Such policies have dangerous implications for the strategic stability of our region and beyond.”
The FO also expressed regret over sanctions imposed on the three Karachi-based private commercial entities, asserting that these actions were often based on "mere doubts and suspicion" rather than concrete evidence.
Critique of US Policies
Highlighting the perceived inconsistency in US non-proliferation practices, the FO noted:
“While claiming strict adherence to non-proliferation norms, licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries have been waived off in the past.”
The FO reaffirmed that Pakistan’s strategic programme is a "sacred trust" entrusted to its leadership by the nation’s 240 million people.
Past Sanctions and US Stance
This is not the first time the US has sanctioned entities linked to Pakistan’s missile programme. In September, sanctions targeted a Chinese research institute and multiple companies alleged to support Pakistan’s missile development.
Following those sanctions, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated Pakistan’s status as a long-term partner while asserting America’s willingness to act when its interests are at stake:
“When such disagreements arise, we won’t hesitate to act to protect America’s interests.”
In April, Pakistan also rejected similar US actions, criticizing what it described as the "political use of export controls" against its missile programme.
Implications of Sanctions
The latest sanctions threaten to strain Pakistan-US relations further, despite longstanding ties. Pakistan views these measures as undermining trust and stability in South Asia, a region already fraught with geopolitical challenges. The sanctions also raise questions about the objectivity and fairness of global non-proliferation regimes.
As Pakistan continues to defend its strategic programmes, it remains to be seen how these tensions will impact broader bilateral relations and the quest for regional stability.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.