Richard Grenell, nominated as special envoy by President-elect Donald Trump, stated that Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is prepared to address Pakistan’s missile program.
In an interview with an American digital platform, Grenell noted that nuclear-capable countries require distinct approaches. He emphasized Rubio’s readiness to tackle the issue and criticized the Biden administration for attempting to achieve in its final 45 days what it failed to accomplish in four years.
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Grenell highlighted the Trump administration’s strong relations with Pakistan, drawing parallels between the imprisoned Pakistani leader and Trump, describing both as political outsiders advocating common sense. He called for the former Pakistani Prime Minister’s release, likening the charges against him to those faced by Trump. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged the matter, affirming the stance that the ex-leader should be freed.
The U.S. recently sanctioned four Pakistani entities linked to long-range ballistic missile development, including Islamabad’s National Development Complex and three Karachi-based organizations—Akhtar & Sons, Affiliates International, and Rookside Enterprises. U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Finer stated that Pakistan’s nuclear-armed ballistic missile advancements could pose a threat beyond South Asia, potentially reaching the U.S.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the sanctions, calling them biased and affirming that the country’s strategic capabilities are designed to promote peace and stability in South Asia.
