Daily Times

“We are vigilant in defending US national security from bad actors. Our actions today send a message to malicious actors that if they violate our controls, they will pay a price”, said Alan Estevez, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security after imposing sanctions on Pakistani, Chinese, and Emirati firms. Sanctions imposed by the United States on perceived ‘Bad Actors’ underscore a significant aspect of American foreign policy: Double Standards. The US has added over two dozen entities to its trade blacklist, primarily targeting firms in Pakistan, China, and the UAE for their alleged involvement in weapons and drone development programs. This move raises questions about the consistency of US policies, particularly when compared to its support for hostile military initiatives in countries like Israel and India.

Recently, the United States Commerce Department announced the addition of 26 firms to its ‘Entity List’ which restricts them from obtaining US goods and technologies without government authorization. This list includes 9 Pakistani firms identified as front companies and procurement agents for a company previously blacklisted in 2014 due to its involvement in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The remaining Pakistani entities were implicated for their contributions to missile development, which Uncle Sam considers a violation of export controls.

The sanctions also target 6 Chinese firms accused of acquiring US-origin items to support military modernization efforts or aid Iran’s weapons programs.

Additionally, 3 UAE firms were included for attempting to obtain components to circumvent sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The implications of these sanctions for Pakistan are profound. By blacklisting these firms, Uncle Sam not only hampers Pakistan’s Industrial and Technical growth but also undermines her defence capabilities. The ability to procure advanced technologies is crucial for Pakistan, especially as it faces real external security threats from neighbouring countries. Pakistan’s military programs, particularly in missile technology, are developed as a response to regional security challenges rather than as threats to global peace. Uncle Sam fails to recognize this context, opting instead to impose punitive measures that could further destabilize the region. Such actions not only strain PAK-US relations but also inadvertently push Pakistan towards strengthening her defence ties with other nations, particularly and especially China.

The repercussions of these sanctions extend beyond bilateral relations, they have significant implications for regional stability as well. Pakistan is naturally pushed closer to China for defence collaboration which could lead to a realignment of power dynamics in the region. Such a scenario could lead to an arms race in South Asia by further complicating an already volatile situation.

The sanctions reflect a broader pattern of double standards in American foreign policy. While the US actively supports military programs in countries like India and Israel-nations that have been involved in various severe regional conflicts – it scrutinizes Pakistan’s defence measures with an unjust lens. This inconsistency raises concerns about America’s commitment to fair diplomatic practices.

In light of these developments, Uncle Sam must reconsider its approach towards Pakistan and similar nations facing security challenges. Rather than imposing sanctions and punitive measures, the United States should focus on Diplomatic cooperation aimed at addressing shared security concerns effectively. Engaging with Pakistan through dialogue can help foster mutual understanding and facilitate collaborative efforts against common threats such as terrorism and regional instability. By prioritizing diplomacy over sanctions, the US can work towards building a more stable South Asia while also ensuring that its strategic interests are met.

Correspondingly, Uncle Sam should reflect on the atrocities committed by hostile nations such as Israel and India, rather than supporting their barbaric military initiatives. The US must address her double standards by imposing sanctions on the actual ‘Bad actors’, which pose a genuine threat to the safety of countless innocent people.

The writer is a graduate of QAU, PhD scholar and a freelance writer and can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com