Pakistan expresses disappointment over US sanctions on its missile program
Pakistan on Thursday strongly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions
on its National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities,
describing the move as “unfortunate and biased.”
In an official statement, the Foreign Office expressed disappointment,
stating that the sanctions undermine efforts to promote peace and stability.
“The latest sanctions accentuate military asymmetries rather than fostering
security. Such policies pose dangerous implications for strategic stability in
our region and beyond,” the statement said.
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Strategic Programme as a “Sacred Trust”
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to its strategic programme, describing it
as a “sacred trust” bestowed by the 240 million citizens of the nation. “The
sanctity of this trust, held in the highest regard across the political
spectrum, remains inviolable,” the statement emphasized.
Criticism of Discriminatory Practices
The government condemned the sanctions on private commercial entities,
noting that past actions were often based on unsubstantiated suspicions. The
statement further highlighted the perceived double standards in the US approach
to non-proliferation. “While the US claims strict adherence to
non-proliferation norms, it has waived licensing requirements for advanced
military technology exports to select countries in the past,” it added.
Pakistan warned that such discriminatory actions erode the credibility of
global non-proliferation regimes and threaten both regional and international
security. “These double standards endanger peace and stability, casting doubt
on the impartiality of non-proliferation efforts,” the statement concluded.
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US Justifies Sanctions
The US State Department announced the sanctions on Wednesday, citing
concerns over Pakistan’s long-range missile programme.
“In light of the continuing proliferation threat posed by Pakistan’s missile
development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions
pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, targeting proliferators of weapons of
mass destruction and their means of delivery,” the statement read.
The entities include Pakistan’s National Development Complex, which the US
claims is responsible for the country’s ballistic missile programme and has
been actively acquiring materials to advance its long-range missile
capabilities.
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Allegations and Double Standards
This move follows previous US sanctions on Chinese and Belarusian entities
accused of supplying materials for Pakistan’s missile development. Pakistan has
consistently dismissed such allegations, questioning the US’s selective
enforcement of non-proliferation norms.
The Foreign Office’s condemnation underscores Pakistan’s broader concerns
over perceived bias in international policies that disproportionately target
its strategic initiatives while overlooking similar activities by other
nations.
Source: Pakistan Today