U.S. Imposes More Sanctions on Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Calls U.S. Decision Biased
The decision to impose these sanctions was made in light of the ongoing threat posed by Pakistan’s development of long-range missiles.
U.S. Policies Could Have Dangerous Consequences for Strategic Stability – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Washington + ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The United States has imposed additional sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on four Pakistani entities involved in the development of long-range ballistic missiles. The Pakistani institutions targeted by these sanctions include the National Development Complex in Islamabad and three companies in Karachi: Akhter & Sons, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprises.
During a press briefing in Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that these four Pakistani entities are accused of assisting in the advancement of Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The Department of State’s statement emphasized that the sanctions are targeting these entities because of their involvement in the proliferation or delivery of such weapons. The statement also highlighted that the U.S. will continue its efforts against nuclear proliferation and related acquisition activities.
The decision to impose these sanctions was made in light of the ongoing threat posed by Pakistan’s development of long-range missiles. These four entities are being designated under Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targets the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. According to the U.S. Department of State, Pakistan’s National Development Complex, Affiliates International, Akhter & Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprises are being designated under section 1(A)(ii) of EO 13382, which involves participation in or attempts to engage in activities that materially contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their delivery systems.
In September, the U.S. State Department had imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies accused of contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. Matthew Miller also stated that the Beijing-based Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had collaborated with Pakistan on testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-III and Ababeel missile systems, as well as the procurement of equipment for larger systems. Similarly, in October 2023, Washington imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies for supplying missile-related items to Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on the four entities, labeling it as biased. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are aimed at maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, and that the U.S. sanctions were unjust. The statement further expressed that the U.S. approach threatens regional and global security and deviates from the goal of peace and security. The spokesperson emphasized that such policies could have dangerous implications for strategic stability both in the region and beyond.
U.S. Policies Could Have Dangerous Consequences for Strategic Stability – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Pakistan’s Strategic Capabilities Aim to Protect Sovereignty and Ensure Peace in South Asia
Pakistan has described the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on three private commercial entities and one government institution as biased and unfortunate. In a statement issued by the U.S. State Department on December 18, new sanctions were announced concerning Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, which is overseen by the National Development Complex, the state defense agency. In addition, three private companies—Affiliates International, Akhter & Sons, and Rockside Enterprises—were also targeted by the sanctions.
In response to these sanctions, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement, asserting that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are designed to protect its sovereignty and contribute to peace and stability in South Asia. The statement warned that such policies could lead to dangerous consequences for strategic stability, not only in the region but globally.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that Pakistan’s strategic program is a sacred trust bestowed upon its leadership by the nation’s 240 million people. This trust, which is held in the highest regard across all political parties, must never be compromised. The Ministry expressed regret over the imposition of sanctions on the private commercial entities, noting that similar listings in the past were based merely on suspicions, without any concrete evidence.
The statement also criticized the U.S. for double standards, claiming that while the U.S. adheres to non-proliferation principles, it has previously lifted licensing requirements for the export of advanced military technologies to other countries. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that such double standards and discriminatory behavior undermine the credibility of non-proliferation systems and pose a threat to both regional and global peace and security.
The recent sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets individuals and entities involved in the proliferation of weapons and their delivery systems.