Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday categorically ruled out any compromise on the country’s nuclear program amid US sanctions amid Washington’s concerns about Islamabad’s strategic capabilities.
Addressing the Federal Cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that there is no justification for the sanctions imposed on us. [….] There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear program.
His remarks came as President Joe Biden’s administration announced last week additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, targeting four facilities it said were Contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons.
The move drew a strong reaction from the Foreign Office, which called the move “prejudicial” and warned that it could have dangerous implications for strategic stability in the region and beyond.
The sanctions, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, were later discussed by US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Feiner, who said that Pakistan was developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that would eventually allow it to launch ballistic missiles in other countries, including South Asia. May allow targeting of targets. US
Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Finer remarked that Islamabad’s behavior raised “real questions” about its intentions.
These remarks were again responded to by the FO who described them as “irritating and illogical”.
Touched on this issue a day ago while talking to Geo NewsForeign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program are unnecessary and harmful to bilateral relations.
“A superpower should neither feel hurt nor be threatened by Pakistan’s missile programme,” he said, stressing that the country’s defense program – both nuclear and missiles – are solely for the security interests of the country.
The spokesperson’s remarks echoed Prime Minister Shehbaz’s statement earlier today, where he stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is only for its defence. is for
Among the institutions it recently sanctioned was the National Development Complex (NDC), which, according to the US, was responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and the country’s long-range ballistic missile initiative. Worked to acquire items to advance.
It approved Affiliates International, Akhtar & Sons Pvt Ltd, and Rockside Enterprises to work for the supply of equipment and missile consumables for the ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile program.
This is not the first time that Washington has gone after Islamabad’s strategic capabilities, as in October 2023 it imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies for supplying missile equipment to Pakistan.
The Prime Minister reiterated his determination against terrorism.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz condemned the tragic loss of 17 security personnel, known as Khawarij, in the recent attack by terrorists.
Appreciating the resilience of the security forces, the Prime Minister said that they killed eight terrorists during the operation. He highlighted that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir personally visited the soldiers to boost their morale, demonstrating the state’s unwavering support for its defenders.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to end further terrorism, declaring: “We will not rest until we crush terrorism head on”.
He noted that the recent incidents of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have raised concerns, particularly the lamentable sectarian violence in KP, which he described as “deeply distressing”.
He pointed out that Kurram district — which has been declared a “disaster” because of the crisis that has resulted in more than 200 deaths in tribal clashes since July — is engulfed in bloodshed, others said. Political groups are busy protesting in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is actively cooperating with the provincial administration to combat terrorism.
He said that all available resources are being utilized for counter-terrorism, assuring that the government stands firmly with the security forces in this war.
PTI talks
Turning to political matters, the Prime Minister referred to the recent meeting with the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He stressed that national interest should be given priority over personal agendas.
“It is inevitable to reconcile personal interests with national priorities.” He hoped that the discussions between the committees would lead to beneficial solutions for the country.
The prime minister also expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic stability, noting that inflation is at its lowest level since 2018 and exports are steadily increasing.
He highlighted the strong ties with Bangladesh, positive interaction with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the export of rice to Bangladesh as a promising development for economic development.