ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has firmly rejected the purported political manipulation of export controls, following the United States’ decision to impose sanctions against commercial entities accused of ties to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed media queries, highlighting concerns over what Pakistan perceives as double standards in international non-proliferation efforts.
Mumtaz Baloch criticized certain jurisdictions for selectively enforcing non-proliferation controls while granting exemptions for advanced military technologies to certain countries. She emphasized that such discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes and exacerbate global security imbalances, ultimately posing threats to regional and international peace.
The US State Department’s imposition of sanctions on four entities allegedly involved in supplying materials and equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including those related to long-range missile capabilities, prompted Pakistan’s response. The sanctioned entities hail from Belarus and China, reflecting the international scope of the issue.
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Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s stance that such sanctions have been imposed in the past without concrete evidence of their involvement in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. She expressed concern over the arbitrary application of export controls, noting instances where listings were made based on suspicion or subjective interpretations of sensitive items.
Pakistan emphasized the need for transparent discussions and objective mechanisms to prevent unwarranted sanctions on technologies essential for socio-economic development. The statement underscored Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue regarding end-use and end-user verification mechanisms to safeguard legitimate commercial interests from the adverse impacts of discriminatory export controls.
Overall, Pakistan’s response reflects its commitment to promoting transparency, fairness, and cooperation in international non-proliferation efforts while safeguarding its national interests and developmental goals.
