Pakistan faces US sanctions due to its missile program
Washington has enacted sanctions against Islamabad due to its missile development activities, expressing worries about the potential risks associated with long-range proliferation. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Washington has imposed sanctions on Islamabad due to concerns over missile development related to long-range proliferation risks.
The United States has announced sanctions targeting multiple Pakistani entities, including the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC), for their alleged roles in advancing long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
The State Department revealed the sanctions earlier this week, stating that the NDC is crucial to the development of the Shaheen series of ballistic missiles. These measures entail asset freezes and restrictions on transactions with US entities. Jon Finer, the Deputy National Security Advisor, highlighted these concerns during a recent event, noting the potential threat that Pakistan’s advancing missile technology poses to the United States.
Finer remarked that the developments in long-range ballistic systems raise “serious questions” regarding Islamabad’s intentions, particularly concerning its acquisition of advanced rocket-motor testing equipment. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, echoed concerns on X, stating that the United States has “been clear and consistent about our concerns” regarding weapons proliferation. He emphasized that Washington will “continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.”
Alongside the NDC, three entities based in Karachi—Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise—have also been sanctioned for their alleged contributions to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. These latest sanctions follow earlier actions taken this year against other foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute, which the US State Department accused of collaborating with the NDC on developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
Pakistan has characterized its missile development as defensive and essential for regional stability. In response to the sanctions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions as unfounded, warning of their “dangerous implications” for the region’s strategic stability. The ministry also accused the United States of exhibiting “double standards” by waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries.
The sanctions have drawn criticism from the party of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan, opposed the Biden administration’s actions on X, saying, “We strongly oppose US sanctions on the National Development Complex and three commercial entities.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
The United States has announced sanctions targeting multiple Pakistani entities, including the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC), for their alleged roles in advancing long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
The State Department revealed the sanctions earlier this week, stating that the NDC is crucial to the development of the Shaheen series of ballistic missiles. These measures entail asset freezes and restrictions on transactions with US entities. Jon Finer, the Deputy National Security Advisor, highlighted these concerns during a recent event, noting the potential threat that Pakistan’s advancing missile technology poses to the United States.
Finer remarked that the developments in long-range ballistic systems raise “serious questions” regarding Islamabad’s intentions, particularly concerning its acquisition of advanced rocket-motor testing equipment. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, echoed concerns on X, stating that the United States has “been clear and consistent about our concerns” regarding weapons proliferation. He emphasized that Washington will “continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.”
Alongside the NDC, three entities based in Karachi—Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise—have also been sanctioned for their alleged contributions to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. These latest sanctions follow earlier actions taken this year against other foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute, which the US State Department accused of collaborating with the NDC on developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
Pakistan has characterized its missile development as defensive and essential for regional stability. In response to the sanctions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions as unfounded, warning of their “dangerous implications” for the region’s strategic stability. The ministry also accused the United States of exhibiting “double standards” by waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries.
The sanctions have drawn criticism from the party of Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan, opposed the Biden administration’s actions on X, saying, “We strongly oppose US sanctions on the National Development Complex and three commercial entities.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
