Nuclear-armed Pakistan says fresh US sanctions 'biased'

Nuclear-armed Pakistan says fresh US sanctions 'biased'
by AFP Staff Writers
Islamabad (AFP) Dec 19, 2024

Pakistan's government said on Thursday US sanctions imposed on state-owned and private companies over its long-range ballistic missile programme were "biased" and had "dangerous implications" for regional stability.

The United States announced on Wednesday that four Pakistan companies would be hit by the measures "in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan's long-range missile development".

The South Asian nation became one of the few countries to openly possess nuclear weapons in 1998, more than two decades after India, its neighbour and arch-rival with which it has fought several wars, announced its atomic capabilities.

It has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a global agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday the US sanctions were "unfortunate and biased" and have "dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond".

It accused the United States of waiving the licensing requirements for advanced military technology in other countries.

"Such double standards and discriminatory practices not only undermine the credibility of non-proliferation regimes but also endanger regional and international peace and security," it said.

The United States said the executive order "targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery".

It accused the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC), which it says is responsible for the development of ballistic missiles, of working to acquire special equipment to test and launch the projectiles.

American citizens will be barred from working with the NDC and three companies associated with it, which will all have their US assets frozen.

U.S. imposes additional sanctions targeting Pakistan's ballistic missile program
Washington DC (UPI) Dec 19, 2024 - The United States has imposed sanctions targeting four Pakistani firms accused of being involved in Islamabad's ballistic missile program as the Biden administration targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctions, which were announced Wednesday by the U.S. State Department, hit Karachi-based firms Rockside Enterprise, Affiliates International and Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, as well as the Islamabad-based state-owned defense agency National Development Complex.

NDC is accused by the United States of being a key firm in developing Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, acquiring specialized vehicle chassis to be used as launch support equipment, and developing the Shaheen series of missiles.

"The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern," Statement Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Pakistan was swift to condemn the designation of NDC and the three other firms as "unfortunate and biased."

"Pakistan's strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia," its foreign ministry said in a statement. "The latest installment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. Such policies have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond."

The sanctions follow United States' designation of five entities and one individual in mid-September over Islamabad's weapons program.

Pakistan's foreign ministry compared Wednesday's designations to previous actions by the United States, stating they "were based on mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence whatsoever."