- Nuclear capacity was only intended for defense, says the prime minister.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz regrets that Washington’s sanctions lack justification.
- Reaffirms determination against terrorism; expresses hope in PTI talks.
Reacting to the sanctions imposed by the United States (US), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif flatly ruled out the prospects of any compromise on the country’s nuclear programme.
“There is no justification for the sanctions that have been imposed on us [….] There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear programme,” the prime minister said while addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The prime minister’s comments come as President Joe Biden’s administration last week announced the imposition of additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, targeting four entities it said were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons.
The move earned a strong reaction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which called the move “biased” and warned that it could have dangerous implications for the strategic stability of the region and beyond.
The sanctions, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, were later deliberated by US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, who said Pakistan was developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that could eventually allow it to strike targets outside South Asia, including US.
Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Finer commented that Islamabad’s conduct raised “real questions” about its intentions.
The statements were responded to once again by the FO, calling them “confusing as well as illogical.”
Bringing up the topic a day earlier while speaking with Geographic newsFO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program were unjustified and detrimental to bilateral relations.
“A superpower should not experience discomfort or see a threat from Pakistan’s missile programme,” he said, while emphasizing that the country’s defense programs – both nuclear and missile – were solely for the country’s security interests.
The spokesperson’s remarks echo Prime Minister Shehbaz’s statement today, where he stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear capability was only intended for its defence.
The newly sanctioned entities included the National Development Complex (NDC), which the United States said was responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and was working to acquire elements to advance the country’s long-range ballistic missile initiative.
It also sanctioned Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited and Rockside Enterprise for working to supply missile-applicable equipment and items to the ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile program.
This is not the first time that Washington has attacked Islamabad’s strategic capabilities, having imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies in October 2023 for supplying missile-capable items to Pakistan.
Prime Minister vows to crush terrorism
Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned the tragic loss of 17 security personnel in a recent attack by terrorists, known as ‘khawarij’.
The prime minister praised the security forces for their resilience and said they eliminated eight terrorists during the operation. He highlighted that the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, personally visited the troops to boost their morale, demonstrating the unwavering support of the State to its defenders.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and declared: “We will not rest until we crush the head of terrorism.”
He noted that the recent terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have raised concerns, especially the tragic sectarian violence in KP, which he described as “deeply distressing”.
He noted that while Kurram district, declared a “disaster” due to the crisis arising from tribal clashes that caused more than 200 deaths since July, was mired in bloodshed, other political groups were preoccupied with organizing protests in Islamabad.
The prime minister highlighted that the government actively collaborates with provincial administrations to combat terrorism.
“All available resources are being used to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner,” he stated, while ensuring that the government firmly supported the security forces in this battle.
Hopeful for PTI talks
On political issues, the prime minister referred to the recent meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. He stressed that national interest must prevail over personal agendas.
“It is imperative to align personal interests with national priorities.” He expressed hope that the discussions between the committees would produce solutions beneficial to the country.
The Prime Minister also shared optimism about Pakistan’s economic stability, noting that inflation is at its lowest level since 2018 and exports are increasing steadily.
He highlighted strengthening ties with Bangladesh, citing positive discussions with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and the export of rice to Bangladesh as promising developments for economic growth.
