EDITORIAL
The twisted relationship between Pakistan and the US has once again reared its head, with American officials professing their desire for closer economic ties while simultaneously slapping Pakistani companies with blacklists. The recent announcement by the US Commerce Department that several Pakistani entities are on its ‘entity list’ has raised eyebrows, with allegations that these companies have been contributing to ballistic missile programs of concern, including Pakistan’s missile program, and involvement in unsafeguarded nuclear activities. This move comes just a few months after similar allegations and blacklisting in December, as well as President Joe Biden’s disparaging comments about Pakistan being one of the most dangerous nations in the world due to its nuclear program.
It is clear that the US is not interested in nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship with Pakistan, but rather in exerting its geopolitical power in the region. The recent blacklisting has also cited concerns about these companies aiding Russia and China’s military ambitions, as well as helping Iran break sanctions. The US Treasury Department has even gone so far as to warn the UAE for continuing to trade with Russia, indicating the US’s increasing hawkish stance on international trade and diplomacy.
However, the US’s approach to blacklisting Pakistani companies raises questions about the legitimacy of these claims. It is highly unlikely that these companies are breaking international laws, and the blacklisting is likely just another tool for the US to assert its dominance in the region. This is evident in the way the blacklisting is being used as a thinly-veiled message to Pakistan: either stand with the US or be considered an adversary.
The Pakistan-US relationship has been characterized by bizarre contradictions that often result in Pakistani firms being put on American blacklists. While both countries issue statements about improving trade and development ties, these blacklists make it difficult for Pakistani companies to do business internationally. Recently, a number of local firms were put on the US Commerce Department’s ‘entity list’, allegedly for contributing to ballistic missile programmes of concern, including Pakistan’s missile programme, and for involvement in unsafeguarded nuclear activities. In December, several Pakistani entities were similarly blacklisted for apparently the same reasons. Additionally, Joe Biden’s remark, calling Pakistan “one of the most dangerous nations in the world” due to its nuclear programme, should not be forgotten, despite attempts by his handlers to spin his comments differently. It is evident that the blacklisting is purely geopolitical and a message from Uncle Sam, posing the question of whether Pakistan is with or against the US.
These developments should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s policymakers, as the ongoing Ukraine war and the US’ combative rhetoric with China require the country to plan accordingly. Pakistan may be asked to make hard choices, especially on the China front, and this decision will not be easy. Islamabad’s ties with Beijing are deep and strategic, but relations with the US are also important. Therefore, progressive and sagacious foreign policy decisions are required, keeping Pakistan’s interests paramount and avoiding being dragged into other people’s conflicts. Clarity is needed in foreign policy messaging, and Pakistan must stress the need to resolve all disputes peacefully, rejecting bloc politics while refusing to entertain unnecessary curbs on its defence needs.
The continuing ban on student unions is another major factor fuelling discontent on campuses, as it forces students to organise along ethnic, political, religious, or sectarian lines, exacerbating the divide in society. To encourage a democratic culture on campuses and check violent tendencies, the revival of student unions across Pakistan is vital.
Pakistan is a responsible state, and while its internal squabbles may not be sending a positive message to the world, it must take a stand against war and bloc politics. It is ironic that while the US raises concerns about Pakistan’s missile programme, it and its European allies are pumping billions of dollars’ worth of weapons into Ukraine, ensuring that the war drags on. Pakistan must adopt a sagacious foreign policy that prioritizes its national interests, rejects bloc politics, and encourages peaceful resolution of disputes.
It is clear that the Pakistan-US relationship is plagued by these bizarre contradictions, where officials on both sides talk about cooperation and development, while actions such as blacklisting Pakistani companies suggest otherwise. It is important for both countries to engage in honest and open dialogue, with the goal of creating a more stable and cooperative relationship. The US must understand that its hawkish approach to diplomacy and international trade is not sustainable in the long run, and that true partnership and collaboration are the keys to success.
In conclusion, the recent blacklisting of Pakistani companies by the US is just another example of the bizarre and contradictory nature of the Pakistan-US relationship. While the US talks about economic cooperation and development, its actions suggest otherwise. It is crucial for both countries to engage in open and honest dialogue to create a more stable and cooperative relationship, with the US realizing that its hawkish approach is not sustainable in the long run.
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