ISLAMABAD:
The United States announced sanctions on four Pakistani entities on Wednesday, accusing them of contributing to the development of Pakistan’s long-range missile program.
According to a statement released by the US State Department, the sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. The State Department highlighted the “continuing threat” posed by Pakistan’s missile development efforts as the reason behind this decision.
This action follows previous US sanctions on Chinese and Belarusian entities accused of supplying materials and equipment for Pakistan’s missile program. At the time, Pakistan rejected these accusations, labeling them as unfounded and reflective of double standards.
Among the sanctioned entities is Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), which the US claims is central to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including the development of the Shaheen-series missiles. The NDC is alleged to have procured specialized equipment such as vehicle chassis for missile launches and testing apparatus for long-range ballistic missiles.
The other entities named are Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise. These companies are accused of providing equipment and materials for Pakistan’s ballistic missile development, including its long-range missile initiatives.
The State Department stated these sanctions are being applied under Section 1(a)(ii) of E.O. 13382, which targets activities contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their delivery mechanisms. This includes efforts related to the manufacturing, acquisition, development, or transfer of such items.
The US reiterated its commitment to countering proliferation activities and associated procurement networks, emphasizing the risks posed by Pakistan’s missile program.
Pakistan has consistently resisted US pressure to limit its missile capabilities, maintaining that its program is essential for national security. In response to the latest sanctions, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong statement rejecting the US decision, calling it “unjust and biased.”
“Pakistan views the sanctions on NDC and three private entities as unwarranted and discriminatory,” the statement read. It emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are designed to safeguard sovereignty and ensure regional stability.
The Foreign Office criticized the move as undermining peace and security, warning that such measures could disrupt strategic balance in South Asia. “Pakistan’s missile program is a national asset supported by 240 million citizens, and its integrity will not be compromised,” the statement asserted.
It also condemned the inclusion of private commercial entities in the sanctions list, arguing that similar actions in the past were based on unverified suspicions rather than concrete evidence. Pakistan accused the US of applying double standards, pointing out that other nations had received exemptions for advanced military technologies.
The statement concluded by warning that such discriminatory practices undermine global non-proliferation regimes and threaten international peace and security.
