How Pakistan tried to blackmail the US over India, sparking its deadly missile development

Tensions Escalate Between Pakistan

Relations between Pakistan and the United States have soured during the final days of the Biden administration, with escalating concerns over Islamabad’s missile development program. US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer recently disclosed that Pakistan is advancing its nuclear missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) aimed at major US targets.

Pakistan’s misleading space program

In its bid to develop ICBMs, Pakistan reportedly disguised its missile program under the guise of a space initiative. However, Washington uncovered the deception, imposing severe sanctions on companies associated with the program.

Blackmail over India’s missile program

According to Pakistani media, Islamabad initially sought to pressure the Biden administration to halt India’s missile development. This demand was categorically rejected by the US, leading to increased frustration within Pakistan’s government.

Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that officials repeatedly asked Washington to curb India’s advancements in long-range missiles, but these efforts were dismissed. In response, Islamabad accelerated its own missile development efforts, further straining relations.

Pakistan’s missile strategy backfires

Pakistan’s existing Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,750 kilometers, can already target any location in India. Despite this capability, the country has now turned its focus to developing missiles capable of reaching the United States and Israel. This has raised significant concerns in Washington, particularly over the destabilizing potential of such weapons.

Meanwhile, India has continued to enhance its missile capabilities to address threats from China. Pakistan’s attempts to counter these advancements appear to have backfired, further isolating Islamabad on the global stage.

Rising US-Pakistan tensions

The US Deputy National Security Advisor’s revelations have heightened tensions between the two nations. Former Pakistani ambassador to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, noted that discussions over long-range missile development have been ongoing for the past two years but have failed to yield positive outcomes.

Pakistani analysts warn that the issue could remain a major source of friction, even under a new US administration.

US sanctions Pakistan and China

In response to Pakistan’s defiance, Washington imposed strict sanctions on companies linked to its missile program. This includes actions against three Chinese enterprises that were reportedly supporting Pakistan’s missile initiatives.

Concerns over Pakistan’s Shaheen-III missile date back to 2015 when the country first tested the weapon. Tensions ramped up in October 2023 as the Biden administration tightened measures against both Pakistan and its Chinese backers.

The growing rift between the US and Pakistan over missile development reflects deepening mistrust and raises serious questions about global security. As Washington takes a tougher stance, Islamabad finds itself increasingly isolated, grappling with the repercussions of its aggressive strategies.

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