Pakistan's ballistic missile programe marred with US sanctions over proliferation of missiles
PTC News Desk: The United States government has slapped sanctions on four entities belonging to Pakistan for including the state-owned flagship aerospace and defence agency -- National Development Complex (NDC) contributing to Pakistan's ballistic missile programe on December 18.
The sanctions target “proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery” and due to "threat of Pakistan's long-range missile development, the statement added.
The restrictions freeze any US property belonging to the sanctioned entities and bans Americans from conducting anys or of business with them.
“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,” the statement read.
“Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) — which is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program — and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise — which have worked to supply equipment and missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile program — are 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 statement added.
Pakistan rebukes over sanctions
Soon after the sanctions imposed by the United States, Pakistan baffled and rebuked. Pakistan's foreign ministry described the US' sanctions "unfortunate and biased" adding that it would harm regional stability by “aiming to accentuate military asymmetries”.
- With inputs from agencies
