US imposes additional sanctions on Pakistan's ballistic missile programme

Decision follows previous actions in September, October of 2023, targeting Chinese firms aiding the missile programme

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The United States announced additional sanctions on Wednesday targeting four entities connected to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme.

The sanctions aim to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, following concerns over Pakistan's long-range missile development.

According to the US Department of State, the four entities designated for sanctions include Pakistan’s National Development Complex, which oversees the ballistic missile programme, and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise, which have allegedly supplied equipment and missile-related items to Pakistan’s missile programme. 

These entities are accused of materially contributing to or posing a risk of contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. 

The US State Department reiterated its commitment to acting against proliferation activities that pose a significant threat. 

This latest round of sanctions follows previous actions taken by the US in September 2023, when it targeted a Chinese research institute and several companies involved in assisting Pakistan’s missile programme.

Additional sanctions were imposed in October 2023 on China-based firms for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan.

The US government has made it clear that it will continue to take measures against activities that support the development and delivery of long-range missiles by Pakistan.