Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on its ballistic missile program, calling them “discriminatory” and a threat to regional peace and security. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the “dangerous implications” of these measures on strategic stability in South Asia and beyond.
The US sanctions target several Pakistani entities, including the Islamabad-based National Development Complex, which the US accuses of aiding in the development of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen series. Additional sanctions have been placed on Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise, freezing any US-based assets and barring Americans from conducting business with them.
Pakistan dismissed the US allegations as baseless, accusing Washington of acting on “mere suspicion” without providing concrete evidence. The Foreign Ministry also criticized the United States for what it described as “double standards,” pointing to the preferential treatment given to other nations in advanced military technology licensing.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed concerns about weapons proliferation, stating the US would continue to address these issues through constructive engagement with Pakistan.
Criticism of the sanctions extended to Pakistan’s political circles. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a representative of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, voiced opposition to the measures, denouncing the Biden administration’s actions as counterproductive.
The latest sanctions follow similar measures taken earlier this year against foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute, accused of supporting Pakistan’s missile development efforts. Analysts argue that Pakistan’s missile program is primarily designed to counter security threats from neighboring India.
Security expert Syed Muhammad Ali called the US sanctions “short-sighted and destabilizing,” noting that they fail to consider the strategic realities of South Asia. The region has long been marked by tension between Pakistan and India, both of which are nuclear powers.
Since conducting nuclear tests in 1998, Pakistan has maintained a robust missile program, routinely testing short, medium, and long-range missiles. These developments are largely seen as a response to similar advancements by India, its rival since both nations gained independence in 1947. The two countries have fought three wars, two of which were over the disputed Kashmir region.
As the sanctions add another layer of complexity to US-Pakistan relations, experts emphasize the need for balanced approaches that ensure regional stability while addressing concerns over weapons proliferation.