Washington has imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities, accusing them of supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, claimed that these entities assisted in advancing Pakistan’s missile capabilities, including the production of specialized vehicle chassis used for missile launches. The sanctions target Islamabad’s National Development Complex and three Karachi-based firms: Akhtar & Sons, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprises.
The US spokesperson emphasized that measures will be taken against entities involved in the development or delivery of weapons of mass destruction.
Responding to the allegations, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, condemned the move as biased and discriminatory. She stated that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities aim to ensure peace and stability in South Asia, but such actions by the US undermine regional security and reflect a prejudiced approach.
Baloch further added that these sanctions deviate from the goal of maintaining peace and appear to exacerbate military imbalance in the region. She reaffirmed that Pakistan’s strategic program is a sacred trust bestowed by the nation’s 240 million citizens and is crucial for the country’s defense and security
