US sanctions to have 'zero' impact on Pakistan's missile programme: Maleeha Lodhi

Former ambassador highlights contrast in US policy, noting that America has never imposed similar sanctions on India

Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States, has asserted that the latest sanctions imposed by the US government, allegedly related to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, will not affect the country's missile capabilities or slow down its progress.

Speaking to a local news channel, Lodhi stated that US sanctions were not a new development, nor would they have any significant impact on Pakistan. She pointed out that the US has consistently imposed sanctions on Pakistan whenever the country pursued its nuclear programme.

Lodhi also highlighted a stark contrast in US policy, noting that America has never imposed similar sanctions on India, despite its advanced missile programme and criticised the US for its discriminatory approach, stating that these sanctions would have "zero" effect on Pakistan’s missile development efforts.

Further discussing the strained relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan, Lodhi noted that Pakistan no longer holds a prominent place in the U.S. priority list.

She argued that under President Trump's foreign policy, China had become a key focus for the U.S., and since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, relations between the two countries have reached a crossroads.

Lodhi also condemned the U.S. for its discriminatory treatment of Pakistan, stating that no Pakistani could support such actions while stating that the political point-scoring regarding Pakistan's nuclear program was not only inappropriate but also unnecessary.

On Wednesday, the U.S. had announced the imposition of additional sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, targeting four entities accused of contributing to the proliferation and transfer of such weapons.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement confirming that the White House would continue its efforts to combat nuclear proliferation and related purchasing activities.

In conclusion, MaleehaLodhi stressed that these sanctions would not impact Pakistan’s strategic capabilities and assured that Pakistan’s nuclear and missile policies would not slow down or be halted by external pressures.