A recent statement by a senior White House official has raised global attention on Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities. The US government has accused Pakistan of developing long-range ballistic missiles that could have the potential to strike targets beyond South Asia, including the United States.
Key Allegations and US Position
The Deputy National Security Adviser, Jon Finer, made these allegations during a speech at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He claimed that Pakistan’s missile development raised “real questions” about its intentions. Finer’s key assertions were:
- Pakistan is advancing its long-range missile capabilities.
- The country’s missile technology includes systems that enable testing of larger rocket motors.
- If these developments continue, Pakistan could eventually have the ability to strike targets beyond South Asia, potentially including the United States.
Finer’s remarks coincided with the announcement of new US sanctions against Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies:
- Akhtar and Sons Private Limited
- Affiliates International
- Rockside Enterprise
These sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their delivery systems.
Pakistan’s Response
The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan strongly denounced the US sanctions and the allegations made by Finer. Key points from the FO’s statement include:
- Rejection of Allegations: Pakistan declared that its strategic program is defensive in nature and aimed at preserving regional peace and stability.
- Criticism of Double Standards: The FO criticized the US for its discriminatory practices, citing past instances where the US facilitated the transfer of advanced military technology to India while targeting Pakistan’s defense programs.
- Impact on Regional Stability: Pakistan’s FO warned that such actions could have dangerous implications for regional stability, as they could disturb the balance of power in South Asia.
The FO’s response emphasized that Pakistan’s missile development program is a sovereign right aimed at safeguarding its borders and ensuring the protection of its citizens. Pakistan’s officials described the sanctions as being based on “mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence.”
Implications of US Sanctions
The US sanctions, imposed under Executive Order 13382, aim to disrupt the activities of organizations and companies believed to be supporting the development of weapons of mass destruction. The implications of these sanctions include:
- Restricted Financial Transactions: The sanctioned companies face limitations in accessing international financial systems.
- Blacklisting of Pakistani Entities: These organizations are blacklisted, cutting off their access to essential global supply chains.
- Impact on Trade and Business: Companies in Pakistan’s defense sector may face operational challenges, affecting the country’s defense production capabilities.
These measures could potentially weaken Pakistan’s ability to develop and test new missile systems. However, diplomatic sources suggest that the timing of the sanctions may be part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Islamabad in the final days of the Biden administration.
Geopolitical Context
Diplomatic sources in Washington believe that these allegations and sanctions are linked to the growing US-India defense partnership. In recent years, the US has facilitated the transfer of advanced military technologies to India under key agreements, including:
- Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
- Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)
Additionally, India’s defense sector has benefited from co-production of missile systems under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and the more recent Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
These collaborations have strengthened India’s military capabilities, raising concerns in Islamabad about an imbalanced security environment in South Asia.
Pakistan’s Strategic Focus
While US officials raise concerns about Pakistan’s ability to target regions beyond South Asia, insiders claim that Pakistan’s strategic focus is directed eastward, not westward. Diplomatic sources clarified that Pakistan’s missile program is not designed to target the US or its allies. Instead, it is aimed at countering threats from its eastern border.
Pakistan’s missile development program is viewed as essential for maintaining strategic deterrence against threats from neighboring countries. Officials have stated that any attempts to portray Pakistan as a threat to Western powers are misleading and politically motivated.
The recent US sanctions and allegations against Pakistan’s missile development program have sparked intense diplomatic tensions. The accusations of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States have been firmly denied by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
While US officials maintain that these measures are aimed at non-proliferation and national security, Pakistan’s FO insists that these actions are part of a broader campaign to undermine Pakistan’s strategic capabilities. This development also highlights growing concern in Islamabad about the expanding US-India defense partnership, which has prompted criticism of double standards and calls for a more balanced approach to regional stability.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, all eyes will be on how Pakistan and the US navigate this delicate situation in the context of broader geopolitical shifts in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region
