US State Department Expresses Concerns Over Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program and New Sanctions

Washington:The US State Department has issued a statement regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and the recent sanctions imposed by the United States. Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, during a press briefing, reiterated that the US has clear concerns regarding Pakistan’s missile development activities.

Patel emphasized that the US has a longstanding policy of opposing support for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. He stated, “The US is committed to maintaining global non-proliferation regimes, and Pakistan, while an important partner, must ensure that its actions align with international standards.”

Patel’s remarks come in the wake of a statement made by the US Deputy National Security Advisor, John Finer, who expressed concerns that Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets beyond South Asia, including the United States.

According to British news agency reports, Finer, addressing an event, highlighted that Pakistan, armed with nuclear weapons, is working on developing missiles with extended ranges that could potentially target not just South Asia but the US as well. He raised serious questions about the objectives behind Pakistan’s missile program, which are now raising concerns for the US.

Finer also stated that Pakistan’s actions, in terms of missile technology, are posing an emerging threat to the United States. “It is difficult to see Pakistan’s missile development as anything other than an emerging threat to the US,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s missile advancements are making it capable of targeting regions far beyond South Asia, potentially reaching American soil.

The US State Department’s comments and the national security advisor’s concerns reflect the growing tension between the two countries over Pakistan’s expanding missile capabilities. This development has led to increased scrutiny and the imposition of new sanctions on Pakistani entities involved in the missile program, further escalating diplomatic tensions.