Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned in a statement that the sanctions “have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond”.
In December 2024, the United States imposed new sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, targeting the National Development Complex (NDC) in Islamabad and three Karachi based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited and Rockside Enterprise. These sanctions freeze any US based assets of these entities and prohibit American businesses from engaging with them. The US government alleges that these organisations are advancing Pakistan’s long-range Shaheen missiles, expressing concerns that such developments could pose a threat beyond South Asia.
“Our primary concern is not just regional stability but global security,” stated Jon Finer, US Deputy National Security Adviser. “Pakistan’s missile program, as it stands, could one day extend its reach to threaten US interests directly. This is not a position we can overlook.”
Pakistan swiftly condemned the move. The Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuttal, calling the sanctions “discriminatory and unjustified.” Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remarked, “Pakistan has always upheld its right to self-defence. These sanctions reflect a double standard. While the US enables advanced defence technologies for its allies, we are penalised for ensuring our own national security.”
US Double Standards in Nuclear Policy
The United States maintains a substantial nuclear arsenal and continues to invest in modernising its capabilities. Despite this, it imposes strict limitations on other nations’ nuclear advancements, particularly targeting Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan. This approach has been criticised as hypocritical, applying one standard to itself and its allies, and another to nations it views with suspicion.
“The US appears uncomfortable with Pakistan’s evolving partnerships,” said Senator Mushahid Hussain, chairman of Pakistan’s Senate Defence Committee. “This is less about missile proliferation and more about keeping Pakistan within its sphere of influence.”
Potential for Independence
Pakistan possesses the potential to achieve economic and military independence, leveraging its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and a youthful workforce. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan enjoys access to vital trade routes.
Its agricultural base, coupled with natural wealth such as coal, gas, and minerals, offers significant opportunities for economic growth. Additionally, a robust and professional military, nuclear capability, and an evolving indigenous defence industry highlight its strategic strengths. However, chronic economic instability, energy crises, corruption, and a trade deficit pose significant hurdles to economic independence. Similarly, reliance on foreign aid, technology and economic constraints hinder self-reliance. Addressing these issues demands complete reforms in governance and a replacement of the secular political system which appears to be hindering the country’s progress.
“It is important to diversify our alliances and reduce reliance on any single power,” said Moeed Yusuf, former National Security Adviser of Pakistan. He emphasised that such diversification is not only vital for maintaining strategic autonomy but also for fostering economic resilience and reducing vulnerabilities to external pressures.
US Perception of Resource Rich Nations as Threats
The United States has historically viewed nations with abundant resources and growing military capabilities as potential threats, often seeking to exert control over them. This perspective has led to interventions and sanctions aimed at limiting these countries’ autonomy.
Retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa voiced concerns, saying, “Sanctions on our defence programmes disrupt the delicate balance of power in South Asia. If our ability to defend ourselves is curtailed, it only emboldens aggressive neighbours.”
The recent US sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program highlight a broader pattern of double standards in international policy. While the US continues to advance its own military capabilities, it seeks to restrict similar developments in other nations, particularly in the Muslim world. However, with abundant resources and the potential for strategic alliances, Muslim-majority countries have the capacity to pursue greater independence and self-reliance, challenging the traditional dynamics of global power.
Written by Waheed Abu Araiz and Rizwan Abu Huthaifa
X: RizAbuHuthaifa
CrossBorders.Press 
Leave a comment