The United States announced on Wednesday the imposition of additional sanctions targeting entities linked to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. These measures focus on four organizations accused of contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of State emphasized its commitment to countering activities associated with weapons proliferation. “The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern,” the statement said.
The decision, published on the State Department’s website, cited ongoing concerns about Pakistan’s development of long-range missiles. The four entities were sanctioned under Executive Order (EO) 13382, which is aimed at individuals and organizations involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.
The statement identified Pakistan’s National Development Complex, which oversees the country’s ballistic missile program and has sought materials to advance its long-range missile capabilities. Also sanctioned were Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise, all accused of supplying equipment and missile-related items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. These actions were described as contributing to the manufacture, acquisition, or use of items related to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.
In September, the U.S. imposed sanctions on five entities and one individual for supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile expansion. At the time, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller alleged that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry collaborated with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, as well as potentially larger systems.
Pakistan has firmly rejected these sanctions, calling them “unfair, unfounded, and uncalled-for.” The government dismissed the measures as unilateral and unjust, particularly those targeting technology companies purportedly linked to its missile program.
