Pakistan has condemned the US decision to impose sanctions on its National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities, calling the move “unfortunate and biased”.
The government emphasized that its strategic capabilities are aimed at defending national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.
In an official statement, Pakistan said: “The latest set of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. “These policies have dangerous implications for the strategic stability of our region and beyond.”
Pakistan further underlined the importance of its strategic programme, describing it as a “sacred trust granted by 240 million people to their leaders”. The statement added: “The sanctity of this trust, highly regarded across the political spectrum, cannot be compromised.”
The government also criticized sanctions imposed on private business entities, highlighting that similar actions in the past were based on “mere doubts and suspicions without any evidence.”
Expressing disappointment, the statement noted an alleged double standard in the United States’ approach to nonproliferation norms. “While they claim strict compliance with nonproliferation rules, they have in the past waived licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries,” he said.
Pakistan warned that such discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of global non-proliferation regimes and pose risks to both regional and international peace. “Such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security,” the statement concluded.
The United States sanctions four Pakistani entities
The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities for their alleged involvement in advancing the country’s long-range missile program.
“In light of the continued proliferation threat from Pakistan’s long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of launch,” it reads. a statement issued by the State Department.?
The move is the latest aimed at attacking Pakistan’s long-range missile program. Previously, the United States listed Chinese and Belarusian entities under charges of supplying equipment and materials for Pakistan’s long-range missile program. Pakistan at the time dismissed the allegations and questioned the United States’ double standards.
The entities the United States listed include Pakistan’s National Development Complex.
The United States claims that Pakistan’s National Development Complex is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program.
