On December 18, the United States imposed sanctions on four entities linked to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, specifically targeting the development of long-range missiles.
According to a fact sheet from the US State Department, the sanctioned entities include Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) in Islamabad, as well as Karachi-based companies Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise. The sanctions were enacted due to concerns over the proliferation threat posed by Pakistan’s long-range missile program.
The US had previously targeted several Pakistani companies earlier in the year in an effort to disrupt Pakistan’s missile and drone development. These latest sanctions freeze the assets of the listed entities in the US and prohibit American businesses from engaging with them.
The State Department’s fact sheet highlighted that the NDC had been involved in acquiring critical components for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including special vehicle chassis intended for launch support and missile testing equipment. The NDC is considered central to Pakistan’s development of its ballistic missile systems, including the Shaheen-series missiles.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions as “unfortunate and biased,” asserting that the country’s strategic capabilities were intended solely for defense and regional stability. The ministry criticized the US for exacerbating military asymmetries and warned that such policies could destabilize the region.
Security experts and analysts also voiced their concerns on social media, with Michael Kugelman noting that the sanctions now targeted a government entity rather than just private companies. Geopolitical analyst Talha Ahmad commented on the political motivations behind the sanctions, emphasizing that Pakistan’s missile program is primarily aimed at countering India’s growing military capabilities.
Pakistani journalist Syed Talat Hussain also criticized the US move, suggesting that the sanctions were part of a broader strategy to undermine Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence. He indicated that the true intentions behind the US sanctions were now becoming clear.
