Pak missiles to hit USA ;A White House official on Thursday said nuclear-armed Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets well beyond South Asia, making it an “emerging threat” to the United States
It also raised questions about whether Pakistan has shifted the objectives of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs long intended to counter those of India, with which it has fought three major wars since 1947.
Speaking to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR jon Finer said Pakistan has pursued “increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment, that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors.”
In his stunning revelation about the onetime close U.S. partner, Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said Islamabad’s conduct raised “real questions” about the aims of its ballistic missile program.
Simply put, we are going to keep the pressure on Pakistan regarding its long-range missile program.
Finer noted that this was the first time the U.S. had sanctioned a state-owned Pakistani entity related to missile development. “This is the first time we have sanctioned a Pakistani state-owned enterprise tied to missile development,” he said, underscoring the significance of the measures.
USA SECURITY CONCERNS; PAK MISSILES
MOSTLY, Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes were developed with the aim of countering India, with which it has fought three major wars since their partition in 1947. However, Finer’s statements have raised questions about whether Pakistan’s missile technology is shifting focus from regional defence to broader, more global security concerns.
Pakistan’s missile programme has long been considered a strategic deterrent in the region. But as Pakistan continues to develop long-range missile systems, some in the U.S. government have expressed concerns that these capabilities could eventually be used beyond South Asia. This marks a departure from the initial focus on countering Indian threats.
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS;
Finer’s remarks come a day after America announced a new round of sanctions in relation to Pakistan’s ballistic missile development programme. In this, for the first time, the US also announced sanctions against the state-run defense agency that oversees the program
The U.S. has long had a complex relationship with Pakistan, marked by periods of cooperation and tension. Both countries have been allies in counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in the fight against al-Qaeda following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Pakistan has also been a key non-NATO ally since 2004
The deterioration of relations between the U.S. and Pakistan has accelerated since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which further strained the bilateral relationship.
Finer’s comments come amid growing U.S. concerns over Pakistan’s increasing cooperation with China, which has been linked to the development of Pakistan’s missile technology. U.S. sanctions have also targeted Chinese entities for their role in supplying materials to Pakistan’s missile programme
conclusion;
The U.S. has expressed frustration over Pakistan’s refusal to address the increasing size of the rocket engines under development.
The development of long-range missile systems is seen as a significant escalation in Pakistan’s military capabilities. As these advancements continue, concerns are mounting not only about regional security but about the potential global implications, particularly for U.S. national security.
The imposition of sanctions represents a significant step in this effort, but it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will alter its trajectory in response to U.S. pressure.
The U.S. government continues to express concerns over Pakistan’s missile programme, seeking diplomatic resolutions to address these emerging threats. Finer’s comments underscore the growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s missile capabilities, which could soon extend beyond South Asia, posing a direct challenge to U.S. security.
With Pakistan’s close relations with China, US has also slapped some sanctions on Chinese organisations for supplying Islamabad’s ballistic missile programmes.
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