It’s been almost two weeks since the United States (US) imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including the state-run aerospace and defense agency, for their involvement in ballistic missile development. Announced on December 18, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the sanctions aim to “target proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.”
The sanctions focus on Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC), which has acquired items to support Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, including special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment for the Shaheen missile series. The other sanctioned entities—Karachi-based Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise—have supplied missile-applicable items to NDC.
A day after the sanctions were announced, US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer expressed grave concerns, saying, “Candidly, it’s hard for us to see Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States.” Finer highlighted Pakistan’s advanced missile technology, which now has the potential to strike targets beyond South Asia, including the US.
The sanctions and Finer’s alarming comments have sparked intense discussion among military analysts, security experts, and columnists. These developments highlight America’s complex and often contradictory relationship with Pakistan.
A History of Double Standards
Successive US administrations have exhibited double standards in dealing with Pakistan through a combination of incentives and penalties. From supplying military equipment during the 1965 War and supporting Islamabad against New Delhi in the 1971 War to ignoring nuclear proliferation by Abdul Qadeer Khan and turning a blind eye to terrorist activities in India, the US has often taken a pragmatic approach based on its strategic interests.
With Donald Trump set to take office in January, India must remain cautious and aware of America’s historical inconsistencies regarding Pakistan.
Long-Standing Sanctions and Continued Proliferation
While the latest sanctions have garnered attention, the US has a history of imposing sanctions on Pakistan dating back to 1977. These include the termination of military and economic aid under the Symington Amendment and the halting of a French reprocessing plant supply in 1978. Subsequent sanctions include the Glenn/Symington Amendment in 1979, the Pressler Amendment in 1990, and sanctions under the Foreign Assistance Act in 2017-18.
Despite these measures, Pakistan has developed a substantial nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities with assistance from China and North Korea. The new sanctions may not significantly deter Pakistan’s progress in weapons of mass destruction and missile development. Pakistani entities could potentially create shell companies to continue importing technology and components, often sourcing more from Chinese companies than Western ones.
Continued Concerns
Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s former representative to the UN, remarked, “This is the sixth or the seventh time in the last four years that sanctions have been imposed on Pakistani entities. They have zero impact.”
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant about Pakistan’s nuclear and missile ambitions and the effectiveness of US sanctions in curbing these threats.