Pakistan missile program persists despite US sanctions

The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting a Pakistani company and several Chinese entities for allegedly supplying technology for Pakistan's ballistic missile development. This marks the sixth round of sanctions since November 2021, aimed at curbing proliferation activities. The US sanctions allow for the freezing of assets and prohibit US citizens from engaging in business with the named entities. In response, Pakistan's foreign ministry has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the sanctions lack evidence and are politically motivated. Experts suggest that these sanctions may be more about exerting pressure on China than effectively hindering Pakistan's missile program. Pakistan has a long-standing missile development initiative, which has progressed significantly despite the sanctions. The country focuses on deterrence against India, with its longest-range missile, the Shaheen-III, capable of reaching 2,750 km. The US has consistently called for restraint in Pakistan's missile range expansion, particularly since India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2015. The Biden administration has taken a strong stance against entities supporting Pakistan's missile program, indicating that the nuclear issue remains a contentious point in US-Pakistan relations. Despite the sanctions, analysts believe that Pakistan's missile program is robust enough to withstand external pressures. The ongoing sanctions reflect the complex dynamics of international relations, where the US employs both incentives and penalties in its dealings with Pakistan, particularly concerning nuclear proliferation and regional security.