Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC), convened a roundtable discussion to address the “Latest Discriminatory U.S. Sanctions and Assertions about Pakistan’s Missile Program – Implications and Challenges.” The event featured prominent speakers, including Ambassador Zamir Akram, Advisor to the SPD; Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal of QAU; and Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, DG ISSI, highlighted concerns over recent U.S. sanctions and comments by U.S. official Jon Finer regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities. He underscored the Foreign Office’s response, labeling the allegations as “unfounded” and emphasizing that Pakistan’s strategic assets were a “sacred trust” of the nation, immune to external pressure.
Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC ISSI, reflected on the inconsistency of U.S. policies towards Pakistan, warning that such sanctions disrupt strategic stability in South Asia. Ambassador Andrabi pointed out that these sanctions reflect geopolitical contestations and emphasized that Pakistan would not compromise on its missile program.
Dr. Jaspal highlighted the sanctions as part of a broader political strategy to contain Pakistan, while Ambassador Akram traced U.S. sanctions back to the 1970s, reinforcing the pattern of discriminatory treatment. He noted that Pakistan’s missile program has grown indigenously, demonstrating resilience in the face of past sanctions.
Participants stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement with the U.S. while rejecting any regional imbalance favoring India. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood concluded that the sanctions would not derail Pakistan’s strategic program, reaffirming that Pakistan’s security needs remain paramount.