US imposes more sanctions on Pakistan's missile programme

The United States said on Wednesday that it was imposing additional sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities that it alleged were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons.

Islamabad described the sanctions as unfortunate and biased. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan considers the US decision to impose sanctions on NDC and three commercial entities as unfortunate and biased.

The US Department of State said in a statement that the United States would continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern. It added that the decision was taken ‘in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development’.

It said the four entities were being designated for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targeted proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. 

“Pakistan’s National Development Complex — which is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme — and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise — which have worked to supply equipment and missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, including its long-range missile programme — are being designated pursuant to EO 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer or use such items by Pakistan.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia. The latest instalment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. Such policies have dangerous implications for the strategic stability of our region and beyond.

“Pakistan’s strategic programme is a sacred trust bestowed by 240 million people upon its leadership. The sanctity of this trust, held in the highest esteem across the entire political spectrum, cannot be compromised. 

It continued: “We also regret the imposition of sanctions on private commercial entities. Similar listings of commercial entities in the past were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever. While claiming strict adherence to non-proliferation norms, licensing requirement for advanced military technology to other countries have been waived off in the past. 

“Such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security.”