US sanctions could push Pakistan to diversify its alliances

He denied Pakistan had any malicious intention toward any other nation and pointed to Israel's relentless aggressions against Iran, Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon as a stark reminder of the volatile geopolitical climate. Such developments, he argued, necessitate an advanced defence capability in Pakistan to counter emerging threats and ensure the nation's security.

For its part, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry rejected US claims. Its spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, said: "These allegations are unfounded, devoid of rationality, and a sense of history". She also branded them as baseless and counterproductive to bilateral ties, saying they were imposed "without evidence".

"The recent spate of US allegations towards a major non-NATO ally is unhelpful to the overall relationship, especially in the absence of any evidence in this regard. Pakistan has never had any ill-intention towards the US, in any form or manner, and this fundamental reality has not changed".

The sanctions reveal a deepening mistrust of Islamabad in Washington. Pakistani officials and observers argue that the US has consistently turned a blind eye to Israel's unchecked nuclear and missile programmes while targeting Pakistan's legitimate defence capabilities.

Many in Pakistan believe this double standard reflects a broader geopolitical bias. A senior Pakistani official told Al Majalla: "The US has never imposed sanctions on Israel for its nuclear programme. Instead, it continues to provide military and financial support to Tel Aviv, even as Israel's actions in the region violate international law and result in countless civilian casualties."

"Why is Pakistan deprived of its right to self-defence against threats from hostile neighbours? The sanctions are unjust and undermine our ability to safeguard our sovereignty".

Some foreign policy experts have backed the strengthening of ties with China and Russia if the US continues to restrict Pakistan's right to defence. There has been criticism in the country's broader political arena. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Imran Khan, the former prime minister, criticised Washington's decision on social media, saying: "We strongly oppose US sanctions on the National Development Complex and three commercial entities". His statement on X echoed the sentiments of many in Pakistan who view the sanctions as an attempt to weaken the country's defence capabilities.

Short-sighted diplomacy

Aamir Ghauri, resident editor of The News and a political analyst, told Al Majalla that the sanctions "should not surprise anyone", adding: "It is basically a continuation of the consistent US policy towards Pakistan's nuclear programme spread over decades."

"While Washington has historically helped Pakistan through the provision of advanced but strategic non-nuclear weapon systems over the years, to make it feel safe or secure vis-a-vis the Indian military threat, it tried its best to restrict or sanction Pakistan's nuclear ambition from the start."

Nuclear physicist and security expert Ghulam Abbas dismissed the US concerns as "short-sighted, destabilising, and unjust", pointing out that it had a clear aim of countering any threat from one neighbour in particular: "Pakistan's missile programme is India-centric and does not pose a danger to any other country".

Declining importance

The US withdrawal from Pakistan's neighbour Afghanistan has brought a decline in Islamabad's status within Washington's approach to foreign policy, as the White House no longer views Pakistan as strategically important.

Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998, conducting underground nuclear tests in response to similar tests by India. Since then, both countries have regularly tested short-, medium-, and long-range missiles. Pakistan's missile programme, developed in response to India's military advancements, has been a cornerstone of its defence strategy.

However, the US sanctions now raise questions about the future of the programme and its impact on regional stability. Any move by Islamabad to become closer to Moscow or Beijing could have significant geopolitical implications, especially with Washington seeking to counter China's influence over the Indo-Pacific region.

The sanctions and their wider implications highlight international relations' complex and often contradictory nature. While Washington wants to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, it also risks alienating a former ally and driving it closer to rivals.  

As the dust settles on this latest diplomatic row, one thing is clear: the US-Pakistan relationship is at a crossroads.