The United States announced new sanctions on Wednesday targeting four entities in Pakistan for their alleged role in the country’s ballistic missile program. The sanctions include the Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC) and three companies based in Karachi: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.
According to the U.S. State Department, these entities are accused of contributing to the spread and delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The sanctions were imposed under an executive order aimed at those involved in the proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems.
The National Development Complex (NDC) is particularly singled out as the central body behind Pakistan’s long-range missile development, including the Shaheen-series missiles. The U.S. claims that NDC has worked to acquire equipment for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including special vehicle chassis and missile testing devices.
The three Karachi-based firms are accused of supporting NDC’s operations. Akhtar and Sons is said to have supplied various equipment for the missile program, while Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise allegedly facilitated the procurement of items related to missile development.
The U.S. remains committed to combating missile proliferation globally, and these sanctions aim to disrupt Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its ballistic missile capabilities. The sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on business dealings with U.S. individuals and entities. The U.S. emphasized that it will continue to take action against those involved in the spread of WMDs and related activities.
