Pakistan Missile Program: The US has identified Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missile capabilities as an emerging security threat. US Deputy National Security Advisor John Finer, speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Pakistan’s missile development is bringing about a major change in its strategic thinking. He warned, “If this continues, Pakistan will be able to reach targets outside South Asia, including the US.”
America has recently started a new round of sanctions with the aim of stopping Pakistan’s missile program. For the first time, Pakistan’s government institute National Development Complex (NDC) and three private companies of Karachi have been included in these. These companies have been accused of cooperating in missile development.
Decline in US-Pakistan relations
US-Pakistan relations are continuously weakening after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. These efforts of Pakistan, which was once considered America’s partner against terrorism, are now being considered a security threat. American officials say that Pakistan did not give satisfactory answers to their questions.
Pakistan’s increasing dependence on China and the US-India defense partnership have further increased strategic instability in South Asia. While the US has strengthened defense technological cooperation with India, Pakistan has begun to develop its missile program to enable broader international reach beyond tensions with India.
Pakistan calls America’s sanctions ‘discriminatory policy’
Pakistan rejected these US sanctions and called them “discriminatory”. The Pakistani Foreign Office said in its statement that their missile program is completely defensive and its purpose is only to deter Indian aggression and maintain regional peace. Pakistan accused the US of adopting a “dual policy”, saying it was providing advanced military technology to India which could upset the regional balance.
India may also be affected
This step of Pakistan can have a direct impact on India’s strategy. India may need to accelerate its missile programs such as the Agni series and ballistic missile defense systems. Additionally, Pakistan’s growing missile capability may force India to reconsider its nuclear policies, especially the “no first use” policy.
Pakistan’s missile advancements could further boost defense cooperation between the US and India. This can open new avenues of cooperation in advanced technology transfer, intelligence sharing and military projects. According to the information, America will continue diplomatic efforts and sanctions to put pressure on Pakistan. It will also encourage other countries to keep an eye on Pakistan’s missile program. On the other hand, Pakistan can increase its dependence on China which has already been cooperating in its missile and nuclear programs.
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