SOURCE: AFI
Journalist, researcher, and commentator Adnan Aamir from Islamabad has provided insights into the recent U.S. sanctions on Pakistani entities involved in long-range missile programs. According to Aamir, these sanctions are not merely punitive actions but are deeply rooted in Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific security strategy, potentially altering the geopolitical balance in South Asia in favor of India.
Aamir points out that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on several Pakistani organizations, notably those linked to the development of ballistic missiles, which are seen as integral to Pakistan’s defense against perceived threats, primarily from India. These sanctions include freezing any U.S. property belonging to these entities and barring Americans from conducting business with them, effectively aiming to curb the proliferation of missile technology.
“The decision by Washington to sanction these entities is part of its larger strategic calculus in the Indo-Pacific region,” Aamir notes. “The U.S. seeks to maintain a balance that aligns with its interests, particularly in countering China’s influence, but in doing so, it might inadvertently or directly tilt the power dynamics towards India.”
The implications of these sanctions are multifaceted. On one side, they could hinder Pakistan’s ability to modernize its missile technology, potentially diminishing its strategic deterrence capabilities. On the other hand, the sanctions might push Pakistan closer to China, a scenario that could further complicate U.S. strategies in the region, given the already strong Sino-Pakistani military collaboration.
Analysts, including Aamir, also discuss the potential for these sanctions to create a strategic imbalance in South Asia. “By restricting Pakistan’s missile program, the U.S. is effectively enhancing India’s strategic position,” Aamir explains. “India, which has been bolstered by recent U.S.-India defense deals, could find itself in a stronger position to assert dominance in regional conflicts.”
However, this shift is not without its challenges and controversies. Critics argue that such sanctions might be seen as selective enforcement, especially when India’s own nuclear and missile advancements have not faced similar scrutiny. This perspective raises questions about the fairness and consistency of U.S. foreign policy in non-proliferation and regional security.