Islamabad: The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that US sanctions will have no impact on Pakistan’s defense or its defense-related decisions. The decision regarding Pakistan’s security will be made by the Pakistani nation. Pakistan has faced numerous sanctions in the past but remained focused on its security.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program are unnecessary and unjust. Pakistan’s missile program is small-scale and defensive within the context of South Asia. Relations between Pakistan and the US are not such that sanctions should be imposed on one another. The sanctions imposed by the US on Pakistan’s missile program and Pakistani companies are unwarranted and unjustified. The decision taken by the US is inappropriate. Pakistan’s missile program poses no threat to the US, and the reasons stated by the US in this regard are baseless.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch further stated that whether nuclear or missile-related, Pakistan’s defense program is solely for its security. Major powers should act responsibly. Pakistan has never said it seeks relations with the US that could lead to a situation requiring war or missiles. Pakistan has strongly protested against this US decision. A superpower should neither be troubled nor feel threatened by Pakistan’s missile program. Washington knows why Pakistan initiated its nuclear and missile programs.
The spokesperson highlighted that India nuclearized the region and initiated the missile race. India is the main party and the actual culprit in this matter. There must be no double standards regarding this issue. Indian actions have endangered the region, and this must be addressed. Major powers should take steps against India. Pakistan has always maintained that its defense is crucial, and its people will decide its security. Pakistan has always safeguarded its nuclear and missile programs, even in the face of numerous past sanctions, and remained focused on its security.
The Foreign Office spokesperson added that Pakistan has enhanced its defensive capabilities without succumbing to external pressure in the past, and such measures will not impact Pakistan’s defense or its decisions. These actions are an attempt to harm bilateral relations. The European Union’s spokesperson’s statement is under review. Pakistan’s constitution and judiciary can resolve internal matters, and the Pakistani nation knows how to address its internal issues.
