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U.S. sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program: A dangerous escalation or necessary measure?

By willowt // 2025-01-02

• The Biden administration imposed sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program, targeting key entities like the National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies, citing concerns over regional and global security.
• Islamabad strongly rejected the sanctions, labeling them “groundless” and “discriminatory,” and argued that its missile program is purely defensive, while accusing the U.S. of “double standards” in enforcing non-proliferation norms.
• The U.S. expressed fears that Pakistan’s advancing missile capabilities, particularly the Shaheen series, could destabilize South Asia and pose a long-term threat to American security, raising questions about Pakistan’s intentions.
• Pakistan’s opposition and former Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized the sanctions as unjustified, while Islamabad warned that the measures could strain U.S.-Pakistan relations and push Pakistan closer to China as a strategic partner.
• The sanctions highlight tensions between enforcing non-proliferation norms and maintaining diplomatic ties, with critics arguing that the U.S. should focus on constructive engagement rather than alienating a key ally in South Asia.

The Biden administration’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program has sparked a heated debate over national security, regional stability and the United States’ role as a global watchdog against weapons proliferation. The sanctions, targeting key entities involved in Pakistan’s ballistic missile development, have been met with sharp criticism from Islamabad, which insists its program is purely defensive. However, the U.S. argues that Pakistan’s growing missile capabilities pose a serious threat not only to regional stability but also to American security. At the heart of the controversy is the National Development Complex (NDC), a state-owned entity accused of spearheading Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen series. The U.S. State Department has sanctioned the NDC, along with three Karachi-based companies — Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise — for their alleged roles in supporting Pakistan’s missile program. These measures include asset freezes and bans on transactions with U.S. entities, effectively cutting off these organizations from the global financial system. The U.S. administration has made no secret of its concerns about Pakistan’s advancing missile technology. Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer warned that Pakistan’s growing capabilities raise “serious questions” about its intentions, particularly regarding the acquisition of advanced rocket-motor testing equipment. Finer went further, stating that Pakistan’s missile program could eventually pose a direct threat to the United States, given the potential for long-range strikes beyond South Asia. These concerns are not unfounded. Pakistan’s missile program has been a source of tension in the region for decades, particularly in its rivalry with India. Both nations have conducted numerous missile tests, with Pakistan’s Shaheen series representing a significant leap in its ability to deliver nuclear payloads over long distances. The U.S., however, views this technological advancement as a potential threat to global security, particularly as it could embolden Pakistan to pursue more aggressive policies in the region.

The delicate balance of national security, global security

Pakistan, for its part, has vehemently rejected the U.S. allegations. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the sanctions as “groundless” and “discriminatory,” arguing that they undermine regional stability. Islamabad has also accused the U.S. of “double standards,” pointing to Washington’s willingness to waive licensing requirements for advanced military technology for other countries. This argument highlights the broader geopolitical tensions at play, with Pakistan feeling unfairly targeted while others are given a pass. The sanctions have also drawn criticism from Pakistan’s opposition, including the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan, called the sanctions “unjustified” and accused the Biden administration of undermining Pakistan’s sovereignty. These voices underscore the domestic backlash against the U.S. move, which could further strain an already tense relationship between Washington and Islamabad. From a conservative perspective, the U.S. sanctions raise important questions about the balance between national security and diplomatic engagement. While the Biden administration’s concerns about weapons proliferation are valid, the decision to impose sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program risks alienating a key ally in a volatile region. Pakistan has long been a critical player in the fight against terrorism, and its cooperation is essential for maintaining stability in South Asia. By imposing punitive measures, the U.S. risks pushing Pakistan closer to China, which has already emerged as a major economic and military partner for Islamabad. Moreover, the sanctions highlight the broader challenge of enforcing non-proliferation norms in an era of shifting global alliances. While the US has consistently opposed the spread of missile technology, its approach has often been criticized as selective and inconsistent. For instance, Washington has been reluctant to impose similar sanctions on countries like India, despite its own missile development program. This perceived double standard undermines the U.S.’s credibility as a champion of global security. In conclusion, the U.S. sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program represent a bold but risky move that could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global security. While the Biden administration’s concerns about Pakistan’s growing missile capabilities are understandable, the decision to impose sanctions may do more harm than good. Instead of alienating Pakistan, the US should focus on constructive engagement, working with Islamabad to address shared security concerns while respecting its sovereignty. After all, in a world as interconnected as ours, diplomacy—not punitive measures—is the key to lasting peace and stability. Sources include: RT.com BigNewsNetwork.com Aljazeera.com FinancialExpress.com

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