US upsets Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme

Washington: The United States of America today announced additional sanctions on four entities that were contributing to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme. 

Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch called the decision “unfortunate and biased,” expressing disapproval of the sanctions imposed on Pakistan’s National Development Complex, Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.

The US stated that it designated the four entities for sanctions in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s missile development.

The sanctions were under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, Matthew Miller, US State Department Spokesperson, said.   

Details on the four entities are as follows:

• The National Development Complex (NDC), located in Islamabad, Pakistan is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme. It, the US claimed, 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.  The United States assessed NDC as responsible for Pakistan’s development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles.  
• Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, located in Karachi, Pakistan, has worked for NDC to supply a range of equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.  
• Affiliates International, located in Karachi, Pakistan, has facilitated procurements of missile-applicable items for NDC and others in support of Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.  
• Rockside Enterprise, located in Karachi, Pakistan, has worked for NDC to supply a range of equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.  

These four were designated 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.