US sanctions four Pakistan entities

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities for their alleged involvement in advancing the country's long-range missile programme.

"In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan's long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," read a statement issued by the State Department.?

The move is the latest aimed at targeting Pakistan's long-range missile programme. Earlier, the US listed Chinese and Belarusian entities on charges of supplying equipment and material for Pakistan's long-range missile program. Pakistan at the time dismissed the allegations and questioned the double standards of the US.

The entities that the US listed includes Pakistan's National Development Complex.

The US claims Pakistan National Development Complex is responsible for Pakistan's ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program.

The State Department alleged the National Development Complex (NDC), located in Islamabad, Pakistan, has worked to acquire items in furtherance of Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program - including special vehicle chassis intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment.

"The United States assesses NDC is responsible for Pakistan's development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles," it claimed.

Other entities that were sanctioned are Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise. These entities were accused of supplying equipment and missile?applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including its long range-missile program.

The State Department said these entities were being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items, by Pakistan.?

The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, it added.

Pakistan's long-range missile program has remained under the US spotlight for years. Islamabad has resisted the pressure and even attempts by Washington to limit the range of missiles.

The latest move by the Biden administration comes just weeks before President-elect Trump takes charge of the White House.

Hours after the US move, Pakistan reacted sharply to the move, rejecting the decision.

"Pakistan considers the US decision to impose sanctions on NDC and three commercial entities as unfortunate and biased. Pakistan's strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia, " read a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

It said the latest installment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. Such policies have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond.

"Pakistan's strategic programme 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 statement said.

"We also regret the imposition of sanctions on private commercial entities. Similar listings of commercial entities in the past were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever. While claiming strict adherence to non-proliferation norms, licensing requirement for advanced military technology to other countries have been waived off in the past."

It further said such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security.