ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former UN ambassador, Maleeha Lodhi, dismissed US sanctions against Pakistan, stating they will have “zero effect.” Speaking on a private TV channel, she explained that such sanctions are not new for Pakistan.
Lodhi said the US has imposed restrictions on Pakistan since the country began its nuclear program. “Despite these sanctions, there has been no real impact,” said Lodhi, who also served as Pakistan’s envoy to the United States.
Criticizing US policies, Lodhi called out the discriminatory approach. She noted that India, with its advanced missile program, faces no such sanctions. “This is a clear double standard by the US,” she added, emphasizing that the sanctions will not harm Pakistan.
Addressing domestic debates, Lodhi stressed the need for unity. She said no Pakistani supports the US’s biased stance. “There should be no political point-scoring on our nuclear program,” she urged.
Meanwhile, a senior White House official raised concerns about Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer suggested that Pakistan could eventually target areas beyond South Asia, including the US.
The US State Department announced new sanctions targeting entities linked to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The department stated that these entities contributed to the proliferation of missile technology.
In an official statement, the State Department described Pakistan’s long-range missile development as a “continuing proliferation threat.”
Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reaffirmed the US policy. He reiterated the US’s stance of denying support for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
