U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Pakistan’s Long-Range Ballistic Missile Program

The United States has expressed serious concerns over Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, reiterating its longstanding policy of not supporting such initiatives.

In a statement addressing new U.S. sanctions on Pakistani entities, the U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized that the U.S. has never endorsed Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. During a press briefing in Washington, Patel stated, “Our stance is clear. We have never supported Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.”

Responding to questions about sanctions on Pakistani entities, Patel highlighted the U.S.’s commitment to global non-proliferation of weapons. “The United States remains a key partner to Pakistan, but we have concerns regarding its ballistic missile program,” he said.

Patel further explained that the U.S. policy of not supporting long-range ballistic missile programs is longstanding. The sanctions imposed on Pakistani entities reflect concerns about ballistic missile proliferation. The U.S. Department of State will continue to use sanctions and other tools to safeguard national security, he added. Patel also noted that the U.S. would maintain dialogue with Pakistan on this issue and assured that the sanctions would not affect other aspects of U.S.-Pakistan relations.

Previously, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer expressed similar concerns, stating that Pakistan’s missile program poses potential risks to the United States. “Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching beyond South Asia and potentially targeting the U.S. is a matter of concern,” Finer stated.

Finer also pointed out that there is no doubt that these ballistic missiles could be equipped with nuclear warheads, raising further alarms. His remarks echoed statements from foreign media reports suggesting that Islamabad’s missile development objectives have raised suspicion about its true intentions.

On the issue of national security, Finer remarked, “It is clear that Pakistan’s ballistic missile program poses a threat to U.S. security.”

The U.S. Department of State recently announced sanctions on four Pakistani entities for their alleged role in supporting the country’s ballistic missile development. In a statement, the department stressed that the U.S. will continue its actions against nuclear weapons and related activities.

According to foreign media reports, the decision to impose these sanctions was prompted by Pakistan’s efforts to expand its missile program. The move has sparked discussions about the potential impact on U.S.-Pakistan relations, with both sides expected to continue diplomatic engagement on the issue.