TLDR
• Pakistan criticises US sanctions as biased
• Warns of destabilising regional consequences
• Deputy PM Ishaq Dar shares response
ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent US sanctions targeting its National Development Complex (NDC) and three private entities. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared the government’s statement on X, criticising the move as biased and destabilising for South Asia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the measures as discriminatory, undermining international non-proliferation efforts.
Pakistan defends its strategic capabilities
Pakistan’s strategic programmes are defensive, aimed at protecting sovereignty and ensuring regional stability. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these programmes are a collective trust from the nation’s 240 million citizens. The government emphasised that this trust, shared across the political spectrum, is sacred and cannot be compromised.
Criticism of sanctions on private entities
Beyond targeting the NDC, sanctions have been imposed on private commercial entities. Islamabad argues that these actions are based on suspicion rather than evidence, a pattern seen in previous sanctions. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his statement, highlighted the lack of justification for targeting legitimate commercial operations, calling the move damaging to trust and cooperation.
Double standards in non-proliferation
The Pakistani government accused the US of double standards, citing past instances where advanced military technologies were provided to certain nations while denying the same to others. Islamabad contends that these inconsistencies compromise global non-proliferation regimes and heighten mistrust in international diplomacy.
Risks to regional stability
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that such sanctions exacerbate military imbalances in South Asia, posing risks to regional peace. By targeting Pakistan’s defensive capabilities, the US actions could destabilise an already fragile security environment. Ishaq Dar underscored that these policies are counterproductive to peace and risk escalating tensions in the region.
Call for constructive dialogue
Despite its strong condemnation, Islamabad remains committed to engaging constructively with Washington. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advocated for discussions on end-use verification mechanisms to ensure advanced technologies are used responsibly. Ishaq Dar echoed this sentiment, urging equitable measures that promote trust and stability.
Global implications
Pakistan’s response has reignited debates about the credibility of international non-proliferation regimes. By highlighting perceived biases, Islamabad aims to push for a more transparent and fair system. However, the sanctions have introduced another layer of tension in US-Pakistan relations, with potential implications for broader diplomatic and security cooperation.