US’s strong action against Pakistan, sanctions aerospace, defence agency for proliferation of missiles
The United States has recently imposed sanctions on four entities in Pakistan due to their involvement in the country’s ballistic missile program. This action is part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.
Targeted Entities: The sanctions specifically target the National Development Complex (NDC), a state-owned agency pivotal to Pakistan’s missile development, and three private companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise. These firms are accused of supplying equipment and materials that support Pakistan’s long-range missile capabilities, including the SHAHEEN missile series, which can potentially carry nuclear warheads.
Legal Basis: The sanctions are enforced under Executive Order 13382, which aims to restrict the activities of individuals and entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This order freezes any U.S.-based assets of the sanctioned entities and prohibits American citizens and businesses from engaging with them.
U.S. Statement: U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that these measures reflect ongoing concerns regarding Pakistan’s missile development activities. He stated, “The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern”.
The sanctions come amid heightened scrutiny of Pakistan’s missile programs, particularly as the country continues to expand its nuclear arsenal, which is estimated to include around 170 warheads. The U.S. has previously targeted various foreign entities linked to Pakistan’s missile advancements, including Chinese firms, indicating a broader strategy to address proliferation risks in the region.
This latest round of sanctions underscores the U.S. commitment to non-proliferation efforts and reflects ongoing tensions regarding military capabilities in South Asia. The Pakistani government has yet to publicly respond to these sanctions as of the latest reports.
US Sanctions 4 Firms Aiding Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program
The United States has imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities due to their contributions to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This decision, announced by the State Department on December 18, 2024, aims to address ongoing proliferation concerns related to long-range missile development in Pakistan.
Details of the Sanctions
Targeted Entities: The sanctions specifically affect:
National Development Complex (NDC): A state-owned agency in Islamabad responsible for Pakistan’s missile development, including the SHAHEEN missile series.
Affiliates International: A Karachi-based firm accused of facilitating the procurement of missile-related items.
Akhtar and Sons Private Limited: Another Karachi-based company that has supplied equipment for the missile program.
Rockside Enterprise: Also based in Karachi, this firm is alleged to have provided various support equipment for the NDC’s operations.
Legal Framework: The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13382, which targets individuals and entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. This order freezes any U.S.-based assets of the sanctioned entities and prohibits American citizens and businesses from engaging with them.
Statements from U.S. Officials: Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, reiterated the U.S. commitment to combating proliferation threats, stating that these actions reflect ongoing concerns about Pakistan’s missile capabilities and procurement activities related to weapons of mass destruction.
The sanctions highlight the U.S. strategy to disrupt efforts that could enhance Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities, which are assessed to include approximately 170 nuclear warheads. This move is part of a broader U.S. policy focused on non-proliferation and reflects heightened vigilance regarding military developments in South Asia. The Pakistani embassy in Washington has yet to respond to these sanctions as of the latest updates.
