ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recalled its ambassador to Washington, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, for critical consultations as the country prepares to address anticipated US pressure and sanctions on its missile program in 2025.
According to diplomatic sources, the Pakistan government is holding discussions on various strategies to counter the forthcoming US pressure against Pakistan’s missile program, where Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh came to Islamabad to hold consultations with key advisers involving Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Office officials, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Sheikh was expected to brief PM Shehbaz Sharif and the Foreign Office regarding the recent diplomatic efforts, progress in Washington, and some challenges being encountered.
He met with members of both chambers of Congress during his three months in Washington for some crucial discussions to represent Pakistan’s stance comprehensively. Chiefly, there were consultations under the framework of shaping Pakistan’s policies in light of a changing administration, expected come January 2025, to the Republican government.
The Foreign Office, in meetings with Rizwan Sheikh, will assess the likely US approach toward Pakistan under a Republican government. The choice of such a juncture is particularly crucial for Pakistan to deal with the changing moods sucking in the US setting to avert any threats to its national security interests.
According to diplomatic sources, since 2021, the United States has imposed six rounds of sanctions against several entities and individuals linked with Pakistan’s missile program.
Such series of sanctions and the amplified critiques and pressure have compelled Pakistan to set off considering resilient measures. January 2025 is projected to be marked by a sequence of visits from US officials to Pakistan, thereby adding credence to the importance of ongoing diplomatic preparations.
Pakistan has emphasized its patience in safeguarding national security interests while striving for diplomatic engagement. The strategic program remains a sacred trust.
The United States has been critical of Pakistan’s missile program and the latest sanctions are a reflection of such criticisms. On the other hand, Pakistan has always maintained that its strategic capabilities are for the defense of its sovereignty and the attainment of peace and stability in South Asia.
The country has also pointed out that the US has waived off licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries, setting a clear precedent of double standards.
Pakistan has always wanted to engage constructively with the US on any issue, including the necessity of a balanced approach for security and stability within the region.
The withdrawal of Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh represents a significant turning point, as this sends a clear message that Pakistan is taking expected pressures from the US seriously.
The country is preparing to answer or reasonably counter such pressures through diplomacy, and consultations between the Foreign Office and Rizwan Sheikh constitute a substantive part of this endeavor.
Pakistan will not compromise its national security interests and will exhaust every means for protecting its sovereignty.3 Future visits from US officials to Pakistan will be closely scrutinized as they will provide an opportunity for the two countries to engage in diplomatic dialogue to try and find common ground on regional security and stability issues.
