Right to peaceful defence

The US has once again imposed sanctions on Pakistan for its pursuit of long-range missile capabilities – a move that many observers see as yet another instance of Washington’s selective, and at times contradictory, nonproliferation policy.

While the US champions the cause of global nuclear restraint, it stands alone as the only nation to have used nuclear weapons in warfare. This disparity calls into question the fairness and consistency of its approach. In the face of these punitive measures, Pakistan must explore stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships – both in its immediate neighbourhood and beyond – to preserve its sovereignty and bolster its economy.

Pakistan is among the few atomic-capable nations recognised by global monitoring bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has signalled compliance with international norms through its stance on treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Despite this, the US has repeatedly targeted Islamabad with sanctions, appearing to ignore the principle of equitable treatment in nuclear and missile affairs. Meanwhile, Washington continues modernising its own nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile systems, eroding the credibility of its professed nonproliferation objectives.

Pakistan’s defence strategy – encompassing a nuclear deterrent and corresponding missile technologies – is deeply intertwined with its security environment. Encircled by regional powers and facing persistent cross-border threats, Pakistan views a credible deterrent as essential to maintaining strategic balance in South Asia. By imposing unilateral sanctions without broad-based international consensus, the US undermines collective arms control efforts and accelerates a climate of coercion and mistrust.

Beyond confronting sanctions, Pakistan’s path to greater economic resilience involves reinforcing and expanding partnerships with countries that share mutual interests. Prominent among them is China, an enduring ally with which Pakistan enjoys longstanding historical ties. Central to this partnership is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a flagship project under China’s global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Through CPEC, Pakistan has already benefited from improved infrastructure, including roads, ports, and power projects. These projects enhance Pakistan’s logistical and energy capacity, setting the stage for robust industrial growth.

China, with its vast manufacturing base, is increasingly looking to relocate lower-end and mid-level manufacturing to countries offering abundant, cost-effective labour. With a population of around 250 million – most of it young – Pakistan can become an ideal destination for phased relocation of certain industries. This shift would not only reduce production costs for Chinese firms but also create jobs, boost exports, and strengthen Pakistan’s manufacturing capacity.

To capitalise on this opportunity, Pakistan’s government must invest in vocational training and skill development programs that align with the needs of Chinese manufacturers. By improving skill sets and technical education, Pakistan can ensure a steady pipeline of qualified workers, making it an even more attractive destination for long-term industrial investment.

While Sino-Pak collaboration remains indispensable, Pakistan should concurrently broaden its regional engagements:

Iran: Both countries can leverage their proximity to deepen trade, particularly in the energy sector. Iran offers a secure and affordable supply of oil and gas, while Pakistan can provide vital infrastructural routes for Iran’s exports. Strengthening bilateral trade would help insulate both nations from US-led sanctions.

Russia: Pakistan and Russia have increasingly shown willingness to engage in defence cooperation, energy projects, and technology exchanges. Russia’s vast resources and advanced industries present a complementary fit to Pakistan’s textile, agricultural, and burgeoning IT sectors. Such collaborations would diminish reliance on Western markets and investment, offering alternative paths for economic growth and stability.

Faced with unilateral sanctions, Pakistan must seize the moment to foster self-reliance. Key policy recommendations include:

Reinforce diplomatic and economic ties with China, Iran, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asian States to expand trade and develop alternative supply chains.

Invest heavily in research and development across defence, energy, manufacturing, and agritech, thereby reducing dependence on imported technologies.

While seeking new alliances, Pakistan should continue engaging with the West. This balanced approach mitigates the risk of total isolation and keeps strategic channels open for dialogue.

Tap into Pakistan’s dynamic and youthful population by bolstering education, entrepreneurship, and infrastructural development. A skilled workforce can sustain long-term economic growth and reduce vulnerability to external pressure.

In taking a stand against unilateral sanctions, Pakistan reinforces its legitimate right to maintain an effective defence posture. The US, with its history of nuclear first use, should strive for consistency if it genuinely seeks global non-proliferation. Rather than capitulating to coercive measures, Islamabad should explore deepening economic ties with both regional neighbours and global powers willing to engage on equal terms.

By proactively harnessing partnerships with China – particularly under the BRI and CPEC – alongside strengthened ties with Iran, Russia, and others, Pakistan can chart a path to true economic self-sufficiency. This path depends on visionary leadership that invests in indigenous capabilities, values the potential of its young population, and remains open to mutually beneficial international cooperation. Only then can Pakistan secure its sovereignty, fortify its defence, and rise above the limitations imposed by punitive external measures.

History has shown that self-determination is a sine qua non for any nation’s prosperity. By boldly pursuing a path of balanced collaboration and refusing to be coerced, Pakistan can protect its national interests, uphold its defensive rights, and, above all, work toward a more equitable international order – one not dictated by the selective and often contradictory edicts of a single superpower.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of any government or media organisation.

The writer is a senior retired banker and an ex-CEO of Pakistan’s largest industrial complex. He is also the co-founder of Pakistan’s first Environmental Protection Agency and Pakistan’s first Public Private Partnership Skill Development

Institute. He can be reached at: iaklodhi@gmail.com