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Pakistani government strongly criticized the United States (US), which announced new sanctions on four entities being involved in the ballistic missile program.
As per details, the US imposed sanctions on four entities of Pakistan under Executive Order (EO) 13382, sanctions can be imposed on individuals and entities that contribute to developing weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.
The National Development Complex (NDC) Islamabad, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside are sanctioned by the US.
The US State Department claimed that the NDC plays a major role in Pakistan’s development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series missiles, now it is acquiring more various materials, including special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment, to support Pakistan’s long-range missile program.
On Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller announced that “targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
Miller said, “the sanctions cover Pakistan’s state-owned National Defense Complex and three entities collaborating with it in the development of long-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen services of missiles”.
“The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern,” Miller added.
U.S. State Department fact sheet stated that said ,“the Islamabad-based National Defense Complex has worked to acquire items intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment to advance the country’s missile development program”.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s government criticized the US for imposing new sanctions against the nuclear-armed country’s long-range ballistic missile program and termed the move as “double standards and discriminatory practices.”
Pakistan’s foreign ministry rejected all the allegations and called them “unfortunate and biased” and stated that “Islamabad’s defense capabilities are meant to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and preserve peace in South Asia”.
The ministry also referring Pakistan’s rivalry with a nuclear-armed neighbor without mentioning its name, “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,” the foreign ministry added.
