The United States recently imposed sanctions on entities allegedly linked to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This move represents a politically charged attempt to undermine Pakistan’s defense capabilities and regional influence. By targeting five entities and one individual associated with Pakistan’s missile systems, particularly Shaheen-3 and Ababeel, the US is not merely enforcing nonproliferation laws. Instead, it is sending a clear message to disrupt Pakistan’s strategic autonomy. The narrative pushed by Washington, cloaked in concerns over missile technology proliferation, is not new. However, it demands scrutiny, especially when viewed in the broader context of global geopolitics and the double standards employed by the US regarding missile and nuclear programs.
The selective imposition of sanctions targeting Pakistan’s missile program once again reveals the political underpinnings of these actions. The sanctions do not stem from genuine concerns of proliferation. Instead, they aim to maintain military imbalances in the region. They also seek to suppress Pakistan’s rightful pursuit of technological advancements for self-defense.
Pakistan’s missile development has always been a response to real security threats posed by hostile India, yet it is consistently penalized under the guise of nonproliferation.
The US narrative alleges that Chinese companies, such as the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB), facilitated Pakistan’s missile testing. This narrative thinly veils an attempt to target Pakistan-China strategic cooperation. A more coherent analysis of these actions reveals the strategic, rather than moral, motivations behind the US sanctions.
The Politics of Nonproliferation: A Convenient Tool for the US
The US’s invocation of nonproliferation norms to justify these sanctions stands in stark contrast to its own actions and those of its allies. The application of nonproliferation laws has always been selective. Pakistan has been at the receiving end of such double standards for years. Despite Pakistan’s demonstrated commitment to safeguarding its missile and nuclear technology from proliferation, it continues to face allegations and penalties. The real issue at hand is not missile proliferation. Instead, it is the US’s desire to maintain its geopolitical dominance in South Asia. Pakistan’s missile capabilities pose a credible deterrent to hostile actions from India.
The statement issued by Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) back in September 2024, accurately reflects Pakistan’s position on these sanctions: “Pakistan considers this action as biased and politically motivated. Similar listings of commercial entities in the past were based on mere suspicion and involved items not listed under any export control regime, yet authorities considered them sensitive under broad, catch-all provisions.” This challenges Pakistan’s legitimate right to develop its defense capabilities, particularly its missile program, under pretexts that lack solid evidence.
Furthermore, the very entities that are being sanctioned by the US were reportedly involved in activities that do not necessarily breach international export control regimes.
The Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missiles are part of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence and are essential to the country’s national defense. This is particularly important given the volatile regional security environment. By imposing sanctions on Chinese and Pakistani companies involved in their development, the US attempts to curtail Pakistan’s defensive edge. At the same time, it promotes the arms race in South Asia by empowering India’s offensive capabilities. This clear double standard raises significant questions about the credibility of the US’s claims to champion nonproliferation efforts.
Also See: Nukes and Neighbours: South Asian Nuclear Powers
Dissecting the US Double Standards
The US’s inconsistent application of nonproliferation norms is most evident when comparing its stance on Pakistan to that on India. While sanctions target Pakistan for pursuing missile technology vital to its defense, the West grants India access to advanced military technologies and nuclear materials, disregarding the destabilizing impact of these actions on regional security. The US has conveniently overlooked India’s ballistic missile development and its role in exacerbating military asymmetries in South Asia. As Baloch pointed out, “Some countries widely claim strict adherence to nonproliferation norms but conveniently waive licensing requirements for advanced military technologies to their favored states.”
The US’s tacit approval of India’s expanding missile and nuclear programs while singling out Pakistan exemplifies the deep-rooted geopolitical biases that influence Washington’s foreign policy.
India’s unchecked nuclear expansion, coupled with its missile advancements, has altered the security landscape of South Asia, compelling Pakistan to develop countermeasures, including long-range ballistic missiles such as Shaheen-3 and Ababeel. Yet, when Pakistan seeks to maintain strategic parity, it is met with punitive measures under the pretense of curbing proliferation. The US’s double standards in this regard erode the credibility of global nonproliferation regimes, raising concerns about their effectiveness in ensuring global security.
Targeting Pakistan’s Defence Autonomy
It is essential to view the US sanctions in the broader context of its attempts to curtail Pakistan’s defence autonomy. The Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems represent significant achievements in Pakistan’s defence sector, ensuring that the country maintains a credible deterrence against adversarial threats. The US sanctions on the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) and Pakistani-based Innovative Equipment aim to disrupt this progress. By targeting companies allegedly involved in procuring equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors, the US is attempting to weaken Pakistan’s technological base and erode its missile capabilities.
Pakistan’s missile program is a necessary response to regional security threats, particularly the growing military capabilities of India. The US’s sanctions, far from being an objective measure to prevent missile proliferation, are part of a broader strategy to maintain regional dominance by suppressing Pakistan’s legitimate defence compulsions. The collaborative efforts between Pakistan and China, which have been crucial in strengthening Pakistan’s missile program, are a particular source of concern for the US, which seeks to undermine this strategic partnership. The sanctions on Chinese entities like RIAMB underscore the geopolitical motivations driving the US’s actions.
Undermining International Peace and Stability
By imposing sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program, the US is not only undermining Pakistan’s national security but also threatening regional stability. The sanctions contribute to an already fragile security environment in South Asia, where an imbalance of power could lead to heightened tensions and conflict. As Baloch warned, “Such practices undermine the credibility of global nonproliferation regimes, increase military asymmetries, and endanger international peace and security.”
The selective enforcement of nonproliferation norms, when applied unevenly, exacerbates regional insecurities and creates the conditions for an arms race.
Pakistan’s missile program is a key component of its defence strategy, ensuring that it can deter aggression and maintain strategic stability in the region. By penalizing Pakistan for pursuing its legitimate strategic compulsions, the US is fueling regional militarization rather than promoting peace. The pursuit of strategic autonomy by Pakistan is a necessary response to the evolving security dynamics of South Asia, where India’s growing military prowess poses a direct threat. The international community must recognize the dangers of selectively applying nonproliferation laws, as such actions do more to destabilize than to secure peace.
A Responsible Nuclear Power
Despite facing unwarranted sanctions, Pakistan remains a responsible nuclear state. The country is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and security in its missile program, in line with international practices. Unlike some other states that have failed to adequately safeguard their missile technologies, Pakistan has implemented robust mechanisms to prevent proliferation.
International reports have repeatedly acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in ensuring the safety of its missile and nuclear assets. These assets are subject to stringent command and control measures. In contrast, India’s missile and nuclear programs have been marred by lapses in security. However, these concerns are largely ignored by the West.
Pakistan’s missile program, including Shaheen-3 and Ababeel, is designed to ensure national security and maintain a credible deterrent posture. It is not aimed at proliferating missile technology but at safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty in the face of external threats. The sanctions imposed by the US are an unjust attempt to weaken Pakistan’s defensive capabilities and tilt the regional balance of power in favor of its adversaries. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan’s missile program is an integral part of maintaining regional peace and stability.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move to Weaken Pakistan
The latest US sanctions targeting Pakistan’s missile program are more than just a measure to curb missile proliferation. They are part of a broader strategy to weaken Pakistan’s defense capabilities and limit its strategic autonomy. By selectively targeting Pakistani and Chinese entities involved in Pakistan’s missile development, the US attempts to disrupt the country’s technological advancements. It also seeks to curtail Pakistan’s defense cooperation with China. These actions, far from promoting global security, contribute to regional instability and military imbalances.
Pakistan’s response to these sanctions is both valid and fully justifiable. The country categorically dismisses them as biased, politically motivated, and based on double standards. For decades, foreign powers have subjected Pakistan to undue scrutiny and discriminatory actions under the guise of nonproliferation. This occurs despite Pakistan’s strong track record of safeguarding its missile and nuclear programs.
Instead of promoting global security, the sanctions further exacerbate regional tensions. They selectively target Pakistan while turning a blind eye to the provocative missile and nuclear advancements of India.
Need for Impartial Nonproliferation Policies
As the international community grapples with issues of proliferation, it is essential to recognize the consequences of selective enforcement of nonproliferation norms. Such actions not only undermine the credibility of these regimes but also jeopardize regional stability. The imbalance created by these actions risks fueling arms races, pushing South Asia toward a more dangerous and volatile future.
The United States, as a global power, must reassess its approach. Currently, this approach favors geopolitical maneuvering over genuine concerns for global security. If the US genuinely seeks to promote peace and stability in the region, it must apply nonproliferation standards impartially. Political considerations should not dictate its decisions.
Only through an unbiased, fair, and consistent application of international norms can the region hope for lasting peace and security. Pakistan, a responsible nuclear state, should be recognized for its role in maintaining strategic balance. It should not be penalized through unjustified sanctions that threaten to destabilize the entire region.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.
Haris Bilal Malik is an Islamabad-based independent researcher and policy analyst specializing in contemporary South Asian issues. Formerly a researcher at the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) in Islamabad, he holds an M.Phil in International Relations from the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad. His expertise lies in regional and international security, particularly nuclear security. He has also worked with the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI), Muslim Youth University (MYU), and the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI).
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