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US Imposes New Sanctions on Pakistan’s Missile Program

US Sanctions on Pakistan Missile Program
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Washington, D.C.:  The United States announced on Wednesday the imposition of new sanctions aimed at Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, particularly targeting the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC) and several associated firms.

Details of the Sanctions

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller explained that these sanctions were implemented under an executive order designed to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. The sanctions specifically freeze any U.S. assets belonging to the targeted entities and prohibit American individuals and businesses from engaging with them.

The NDC is pivotal in Pakistan’s ballistic missile development, including the production of the Shaheen family of missiles, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The U.S. State Department’s fact sheet indicated that the NDC has been actively seeking components for enhancing its missile capabilities, including missile-testing equipment.

In addition to the NDC, three companies based in Karachi—Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise—were also sanctioned for their involvement in procuring equipment for the NDC.

Pakistan’s Response

In response to the U.S. sanctions, Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued a statement labeling the action as “unfortunate and biased.” The ministry expressed concerns that such measures could destabilize the region by “accentuating military asymmetries,” particularly in light of Pakistan’s ongoing rivalry with neighboring India, which is also a nuclear-armed nation.

Context of the Sanctions

Pakistan conducted its first nuclear weapons test in 1998, becoming the seventh country to achieve nuclear capability. According to estimates by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Pakistan possesses around 170 nuclear warheads. Islamabad has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a key international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to combating proliferation and monitoring procurement activities that raise concerns regarding missile and nuclear capabilities. Miller stated, “The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern.”

Conclusion

The recent sanctions reflect ongoing tensions between the United States and Pakistan regarding nuclear proliferation and missile development. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve in South Asia, the impact of these sanctions on regional stability and military balance remains to be seen. The U.S. aims to ensure that measures are in place to prevent the advancement of weapons of mass destruction in the region.

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