US sanctions Pakistani firms for aiding its nuclear weapons program.

Photo: Reuters

On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC), a key aerospace and defense agency, for their role in supporting Pakistan's nuclear missile program. The sanctions were issued under an executive order targeting those involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, including missiles. As a result, U.S. assets of the sanctioned entities are frozen, and Americans are prohibited from engaging in business with them.

In addition to NDC, the U.S. sanctioned three other companies based in Karachi: Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise. These firms collaborated with NDC to procure equipment for Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile development.

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The U.S. State Department stated that NDC has been instrumental in advancing Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, including acquiring special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment. NDC is credited with developing Pakistan's ballistic missile capabilities, including the SHAHEEN-series missiles. The three Karachi-based firms were accused of supplying key equipment to support the missile program.

These sanctions are imposed under Executive Order 13382, which targets entities that contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missile systems. The U.S. emphasized its commitment to combating proliferation and blocking procurement activities linked to weapons development.

The four sanctioned entities have been accused of playing pivotal roles in the development of Pakistan’s missile systems. NDC, based in Islamabad, is responsible for Pakistan's ballistic missile development, including the SHAHEEN-series. Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, based in Karachi, supplied equipment to NDC for Pakistan's long-range missile program. Affiliates International, also based in Karachi, facilitated the procurement of missile-related items for NDC. Rockside Enterprise, another Karachi-based firm, provided missile components to NDC for Pakistan's missile development efforts.

Pakistan quickly condemned the U.S. sanctions, calling them "unfortunate and biased." The Pakistani foreign ministry argued that the move would destabilize the region by accentuating military asymmetries, potentially undermining strategic stability in the area and beyond.

Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test in 1998, becoming the seventh nation to develop nuclear weapons. Its arsenal is estimated at around 170 warheads, and the Shaheen missile series is capable of carrying nuclear payloads. Pakistan has refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a key international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

Despite facing numerous international sanctions, Pakistan has continued to develop its nuclear and missile programs, often circumventing sanctions through trade relationships, particularly with China.

The U.S. has been concerned about Pakistan's nuclear and missile programs, particularly as Islamabad strengthens its ties with China, a longtime ally. Despite being a U.S. ally in the past, including during the Cold War under SEATO and CENTO, Pakistan has increasingly turned to China for technology and expertise to advance its missile and drone programs. These latest sanctions reflect a shift in U.S. policy, focusing not just on Pakistan but also on curbing China’s support for Pakistan’s defense capabilities.

Earlier this year, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Chinese entities accused of supplying Pakistan's NDC with missile-related technology. Despite these measures, analysts suggest that the sanctions are unlikely to slow Pakistan's missile program, which is already in an advanced stage. Pakistani defense experts believe the program will continue, regardless of U.S. restrictions.

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