The United States has imposed sanctions on four Pakistani firms under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems. This action comes amid growing concerns over Pakistan’s development of long-range ballistic missiles, which could potentially enhance its ability to deliver WMDs.
The entities sanctioned include the National Development Complex (NDC), a key player in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. NDC has been involved in acquiring critical materials for Pakistan’s missile technology, including vehicle chassis for missile launch support and testing equipment. The U.S. holds NDC responsible for the development of Pakistan’s ballistic missiles, such as the SHAHEEN series.
In addition to NDC, three other companies—Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise—have also been sanctioned for their role in supplying equipment and materials for Pakistan’s missile programs, particularly those focused on long-range missile development.
The U.S. government imposed these sanctions because these entities were involved in activities that contributed to or posed a risk of contributing to the proliferation of missile systems capable of delivering WMDs. This includes efforts to produce, acquire, or transfer materials for such weapons.
These sanctions are part of the U.S. strategy to prevent the spread of technologies that could increase the global threat of WMDs. By targeting those involved in Pakistan’s missile development, the U.S. aims to disrupt the supply network supporting missile technology that could pose a significant danger to both regional and global security.
Pakistan has criticized the US for imposing sanctions on four companies linked to its long-range missile program.
In a statement released Dec. 19, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry called the US measures "biased" and warned they could have "dangerous implications" for regional stability. The country, which became a nuclear power in 1998, has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry accused the US of double standards, pointing to its approval of advanced military technology transfers to other countries. The statement added that such actions undermine global non-proliferation efforts and threaten international peace and security.
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