Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, has stated that the latest sanctions imposed by the US government, reportedly related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, will not affect the country’s missile capabilities or slow its progress.
Speaking to a local news channel, Lodhi said the US sanctions were not a new development nor would they have any significant impact on Pakistan. He noted that the United States has consistently imposed sanctions on Pakistan whenever the country pursued its nuclear program.
Lodhi also highlighted a stark contrast in American policy, noting that the United States has never imposed similar sanctions on India, despite its advanced missile program and criticized the United States for its discriminatory approach, stating that these sanctions would have an effect ” zero” in Pakistan’s missile development efforts. .
Taking a deeper look at the strained relationship between the United States and Pakistan, Lodhi noted that Pakistan is no longer high on the US priority list.
He argued that under President Trump’s foreign policy, China had become a key focus for the United States and, since the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, relations between the two countries have reached a crossroads.
Lodhi also condemned the United States for its discriminatory treatment of Pakistan, stating that no Pakistani could support such actions and stating that political scoring regarding Pakistan’s nuclear program was not only inappropriate but also unnecessary.
On Wednesday, the United States announced the imposition of additional sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, targeting four entities accused of contributing to the proliferation and transfer of such weapons.
The US State Department issued a statement confirming that the White House would continue its efforts to combat nuclear proliferation and related procurement activities.
In conclusion, MaleehaLodhi highlighted that these sanctions would not impact Pakistan’s strategic capabilities and assured that Pakistan’s nuclear and missile policies will not be slowed down or stopped by external pressures.
