ISLAMABAD (NPTV/Radio Pakistan): Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday (21st Dec 2024) has termed the US alleged threat perception from long-range capabilities of Pakistani missiles as unfounded.
FO pointing out that Pakistan and USA had a long history of cooperation and wished to build on that strong legacy, expressed its surprise over Jon Finer’s illogical assumptions – sans evidence.
White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer here on 20th Dec, wondering apropos the aims of its ballistic missiles, has accused Pakistan of developing ballistic missiles that could hit targets in USA!
It may be recalled that on 19th Dec 2024 the US Department of State, maintaining that four entities were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of Weapons of Mass Destruction, has imposed additional sanctions related to Pakistani ballistic missile program.
The State Dept held that the decision was taken in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development: “The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern.”
Meanwhile, Pakistani Foreign Office termed the sanctions imposed on (National Development Complex, Affiliates Int”l, Akhtar & Sons Pvt Ltd, & Rockside Enterprise) as biased. It may be recalled that US had previously too sanctioned a number of firms in Pakistan, China and UAE.
While Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer asserted that USA was going to keep the pressure on Islamabad, Pakistan’s former envoy to America Dr. Maliha Lodhi pointed out that the sanctions would not slow down the program.
Maintaining that Pakistan’s credible minimum deterrence were meant to defend its sovereignty, FO regretted that US had not noticed the missile capability of India.
Newspakistan.tv
