Pakistan has slammed the move saying that its strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia.
Washington/Islamabad: After the US State Department sanctioned four Pakistani entities in light of the "continuing proliferation threat" of the country's long-range ballistic missile development, Pakistan termed the latest sanctions imposed by the US administration as “biased and unfortunate”.
The latest ban included Pakistan's National Development Complex – which is responsible for Pakistan's ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program – 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 program, including its long-range missile program.
According to the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the four entities were designated 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 Pakistan Foreign Office in Islamabad instead asserted that the strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty. "Pakistan considers the US decision to impose sanctions on the National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities as unfortunate and biased. Pakistan's strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia," read a statement issued by Pakistan's foreign ministry.
"The latest installment 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 program 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 added.
In September 2023, the US government designated a Chinese research institute and many other companies, including some from Belarus, for their alleged involvement in assisting Pakistan's ballistic missile program. Islamabad, however, maintains that the US sanctions are based on assumptions and suspicions besides also lacking in evidence.
