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When Pakistan threatened 'threefold retaliation' to India's missile strike warning

Revelation came during discussion of missiles sanctions against Pakistan between security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali and Kamran Khan

When Pakistan threatened 'threefold retaliation' to India's missile strike warning

US recently sanctioned Pakistan's missile program amid growing tensions

Deputy NSA Finer called Pakistan's capabilities a potential threat to US

Pakistan's nuclear and missile capabilities have prevented several potential conflicts with India from escalating into full-scale wars, security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali revealed in a conversation with Kamran Khan.

During the discussion, Ali revealed for the first time that during the 2019 Pulwama crisis, India's Ajit Doval called then-ISI Director General Asim Munir—now Pakistan’s army chief—demanding the immediate release of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, whose aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's air force.

"If Pakistan doesn't release him immediately, India will launch missile strikes," Ali quoted Doval as saying. Pakistan responded that any attack would result in "threefold retaliation," a message Ali says was conveyed "very clearly."

Ali also discussed a more recent incident involving an Indian missile that landed in Muridke, Punjab. "I can tell you from the highest level that while fortunately there were no casualties, Pakistan had decided to respond decisively had there been any loss of life or property, regardless of whether the launch was intentional or accidental," he said.

New sanctions on Pakistan

The revelations come as the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial firms, citing concerns over missile technology that Washington claims poses a threat beyond South Asia. The sanctions, announced just weeks before the Biden administration's term ends, have sparked diplomatic friction between the two nations.

According to a U.S. State Department statement, the targeted entities are allegedly linked to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, specifically the Shaheen-III and Ababeel missiles, which have ranges of up to 2,750 and 2,200 kilometers respectively. Both missiles are equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).

The sanctions follow controversial remarks by U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer, who suggested during a recent address that Pakistan's missile capabilities now extend to targets beyond South Asia, including the U.S. This marked the first time a senior U.S. official publicly labeled Pakistan's missile program as a potential threat to American interests.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned the move as "unfortunate" and "biased." Officials argued that the restrictions are politically motivated, noting that similar sanctions have failed to hinder the country's nuclear and missile advancements in the past.

Observers in Islamabad question the timing of the sanctions, with some pointing to India's influence on U.S. policy. Critics highlight the lack of similar scrutiny on India's missile programs, including its Agni-V, which has a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers.

While U.S.-Pakistan relations have faced strains over defense issues for decades, experts believe these sanctions underscore Washington's shifting priorities in the region. However, analysts note that Pakistan's missile program remains largely unaffected by external pressures, as evidenced by its consistent progress despite longstanding U.S. sanctions.

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