The United States has announced sanctions against four Pakistani entities for their involvement in Pakistan’s long-range missile development program. The State Department has cited concerns over weapons of mass destruction proliferation.
The sanctions, imposed under Executive Order 13382, target the National Development Complex (NDC) in Islamabad and three Karachi-based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.
Companies That Are Sanctioned
The NDC, which spearheads Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, has been identified for attempting to acquire special vehicle chassis for missile launch support and testing equipment. U.S. officials assess that the organization is responsible for developing Pakistan’s SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles.
The three Karachi-based companies have been sanctioned for their supporting roles. Akhtar and Sons Private Limited and Rockside Enterprise have reportedly supplied equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program through NDC. Meanwhile, Affiliates International has been involved in facilitating procurement of missile-applicable items for NDC and other entities within Pakistan’s missile program.
The sanctions by the US target organizations in Pakistan involved in activities contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their delivery systems, including efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items.
The US administration has emphasized its commitment to continuing action against proliferation and associated procurement activities that raise security concerns.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the U.S. action was “unfortunate and biased” and would harm regional stability by “aiming to accentuate military asymmetries,” an apparent reference to the country’s rivalry with nuclear-armed India.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists research organization says the Shaheen series of missiles is nuclear-capable.
Pakistan conducted its first nuclear-weapons test in 1998, becoming the seventh country to do so. The Bulletin estimates Pakistan’s arsenal at about 170 warheads.
Islamabad has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the cornerstone of the international system designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
(with inputs from Reuters)
