Washington/Islamabad: The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions on Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, targeting the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies linked to it. The sanctions were announced on Wednesday, with the U.S. Department of State emphasizing their intent to curb the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the technologies used to deliver them.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, confirmed that the sanctions were enacted under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382. This order is designed to disrupt entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, freezing any U.S.-based assets owned by the designated entities and prohibiting American citizens or businesses from engaging with them.
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement noting, “In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.”
The NDC, located in Islamabad, plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s missile development initiatives. It has been actively seeking components for the country’s long-range ballistic missile systems, including the SHAHEEN family of missiles, which are believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal at approximately 170 warheads. Since conducting its first nuclear test in 1998, Pakistan has remained outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
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In addition to the NDC, the sanctions also target three private firms: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise. These companies are accused of assisting the NDC in acquiring crucial equipment for its missile programme.
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“The United States will continue to act against proliferation and procurement activities that pose a concern,” Miller stated in the press release.
The Pakistani embassy in Washington has not yet responded to the sanctions, leaving questions about the potential impact of the measures unanswered.
