Syed Ali Zia Jaffery
In December, the United States sanctioned four Pakistani entities involved in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. According to the US State Department, this action was taken due to “the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development.” While this is not the first round of sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missiles under the Biden administration, it is certainly more significant because it directly targets the National Defense Complex—Pakistan’s missile production facility sometimes called the National Development Complex.
Pakistan took strong exceptions to this new installment of US sanctions. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs dubbed the decision “unfortunate and biased,” adding that it aims to “accentuate military asymmetries” affecting strategic stability in the region.
This war of words escalated after US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said that Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missiles raised “real questions” about its aims: “Pakistan has developed increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors.” According to Finer, if such trends were to continue, “Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States.” Through these words, Finer became the first US official to label Pakistan’s ballistic missiles as potentially a direct threat to the United States. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to give an official response, contending that such claims are “devoid of rationality.” The ministry added that “Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia.”
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