Pakistan has criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions on the country’s long-range ballistic missile program, calling the move “unfortunate and biased.”
On Wednesday, the US State Department announced sanctions against four Pakistani entities under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.
The sanctions specifically address Pakistan’s state-owned National Defense Complex and three associated entities involved in the development of long-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen missile series.
In response, Pakistani Foreign Minister rejected the move as “unfortunate and biased,” saying: “Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia.”
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, it added.
The US State Department’s fact sheet noted that the National Defense Complex has been involved in acquiring equipment for ballistic missile launch support and testing, as part of its missile development program.
The other companies sanctioned include Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Ltd., and Rockside Enterprise, all based in Karachi.
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