The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, including penalties on the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies linked to it.
In a statement on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that the sanctions were issued under an executive order aimed towards curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the technologies used to deliver them. The move freezes any US-based assets belonging to the targeted entities and also forbids American citizens or businesses from engaging 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,” a press release by the US Department of State said.
The NDC, headquartered in Islamabad, plays a central role in Pakistan’s missile development efforts, according to a State Department factsheet. It has been actively seeking components for the country’s long-range ballistic missile systems, including the SHAHEEN family of missiles, which are believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Research by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists suggests that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal now consists of approximately 170 warheads. The country conducted its first nuclear test back in 1998, and remains outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty which is an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
The sanctions also target three private firms—Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise—accused of helping the NDC acquire equipment for its missile programme.
“The United States will continue to act against proliferation and procurement activities that pose a concern,” Miller further added in the release.
The Pakistani embassy in Washington is yet to respond to the sanctions.