WASHINGTON: The United States imposed additional sanctions on four Pakistan-based entities on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the country’s ballistic missile programme, the State Department announced.

The entities include the Islamabad-based National Dev­elop­ment Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.

In a statement, the State Depa­rtment alleged that these entities were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). “The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern,” the statement emphasised.

The sanctions were implemented under an executive order which targets proliferators of WMDs and their delivery mechanism.

The US statement said: “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 (EO) 13382.”

The National Development Complex (NDC), based in Islamabad, was identified as the key organisation behind Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, including development of the Shaheen-series missiles. The statement claimed that NDC “has worked to acquire items in furtherance of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, including special vehicle chassis intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment”.

Karachi-based firms

Three Karachi-based companies were also sanctioned for allegedly supporting NDC’s operations.

Akhtar and Sons Private Limited was accused of supplying a range of equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.

Another entity, Affiliates International, was alleged to have facilitated the procurement of missile-applicable items for NDC. Similarly, Rockside Enter­prise was accused of supplying equipment to support the long-range missile programme.

The US statement reiterated its commitment to combating global missile proliferation. “The United States assesses that these entities have engaged in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery.”

By targeting these entities, the US aims to disrupt Pakistan’s “ongoing efforts to develop and enhance its ballistic missile capabilities”. The sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on transactions with US individuals and entities, the State Department said in its statement.

“These actions demonstrate our continued resolve to counter threats posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” the statement concluded.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2024