US sanctions Pakistan over missiles programme

The article discusses US sanctions imposed on Pakistan’s missile program, highlighting the rationale behind this move. On December 19, 2024, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer expressed concerns about Pakistan’s ballistic missile development, citing potential threats beyond South Asia. Sanctions targeted the National Development Complex and Karachi-based firms involved in advancing Pakistan’s missile capabilities, freezing assets and prohibiting transactions with US entities. The US also sanctioned Chinese firms supplying equipment for Pakistan’s missile program. Despite Pakistan’s missiles, including the Shaheen-III with a range of 2,750 km, being unable to reach the US, Washington views these advancements as a potential risk for regional stability, global security, and possible proliferation to hostile nations or non-state actors.

The US fears Pakistan’s missile technology could trigger an arms race with India, destabilize South Asia, or affect Middle Eastern and Indo-Pacific regions. Concerns extend to Pakistan’s dual-use missile capabilities, which can carry nuclear warheads, and the possibility of their transfer to adversaries. The US is balancing its strategic goals by limiting sanctions to specific entities while maintaining diplomatic engagement. While aiming to curb Pakistan’s missile ambitions, Washington seeks to preserve bilateral ties, ensuring cooperation on counterterrorism and regional stability without worsening Pakistan’s fragile economy.

Overview:

This article explains US sanctions targeting Pakistan’s missile program, emphasizing their geopolitical and strategic implications. It explores the potential risks and rationale behind these measures, including regional tensions and non-proliferation concerns.

NOTES:

The article highlights the geopolitical implications of US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program. It looks into the strategic concerns of global powers, focusing on how advancements in missile technology influence regional and international stability. By understanding the nuances of missile capabilities, such as Pakistan’s Shaheen-III with its range of 2,750 km, aspirants can grasp the delicate balance between national defense and global security. The article also emphasizes the importance of analyzing sanctions as a tool of diplomacy, shedding light on their dual impact—curbing technological advancements while maintaining bilateral ties. It underscores the role of strategic policies in shaping US-Pakistan relations, particularly in the context of counterterrorism, economic stability, and regional dynamics.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• International Relations: Geopolitical strategies, non-proliferation, US foreign policy.
• Pakistan Affairs: Pakistan’s defense capabilities and regional impact.
• Current Affairs: Strategic partnerships and sanctions.

Notes for beginners:

Missile programs are about building advanced weapons that can target faraway regions. For example, Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile can reach 2,750 km, enough to cover parts of the Middle East but not the US. The US worries such advancements could harm its allies, like Israel, or fall into the hands of enemies. Sanctions are like penalties—freezing assets or banning trade—to discourage such actions.

Facts and Figures:

• Shaheen-III missile range: 2,750 km.
• US sanctioned Pakistan’s National Development Complex and three Karachi-based firms in December 2024.
• Earlier sanctions in September 2024 targeted Chinese firms aiding Pakistan’s program.

To sum up, This article captures the delicate balance between national security and diplomatic relations. The US’s calculated sanctions reflect a broader strategy to address perceived threats while avoiding overt economic disruption in Pakistan.

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