Pakistan has strongly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on its National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities, calling the action “unfortunate and biased.” The government emphasized that the country’s strategic capabilities are vital for safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in South Asia.
In an official statement, Pakistan argued that the sanctions undermine peace and security, and exacerbate military imbalances, which could have serious consequences for the strategic stability of the region and beyond. The statement further described the strategic program as a “sacred trust” placed by the people of Pakistan upon their leadership, which cannot be compromised.
The government also condemned the sanctions on private businesses, pointing out that similar measures in the past were based on “mere doubts and suspicion” without solid evidence. Pakistan expressed frustration over what it sees as double standards in the US’s approach to non-proliferation, highlighting instances where the US had waived licensing requirements for military technology transfers to other countries while claiming to uphold non-proliferation norms.
The statement concluded by warning that such discriminatory practices weaken the credibility of global non-proliferation efforts and threaten both regional and global peace.
This move by the US targets Pakistan’s long-range missile program, with four entities sanctioned under Executive Order 13382, which focuses on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. The entities include Pakistan’s National Development Complex, which the US claims is involved in advancing the country’s ballistic missile program by acquiring materials to support its long-range missile development. Pakistan, however, has dismissed these accusations and raised concerns about the US’s double standards in handling such matters.
