The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday condemned the United States for imposing additional sanctions on four Pakistani entities, calling the move “biased” and a threat to regional and global peace.
The sanctions, announced by the US State Department, target the Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based firms — Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise — for allegedly contributing to Pakistan's ballistic missile program and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
Pakistan's Strong Rebuttal
In a press release, the FO criticized the sanctions as discriminatory and undermining non-proliferation norms.
“Pakistan considers the US decision to impose sanctions on NDC and three commercial entities as unfortunate and biased,” the statement read.
The FO argued that such actions exacerbate regional military imbalances and compromise strategic stability. It further stated that the sanctions “defy the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries.”
Pakistan reiterated that its strategic capabilities are defensive and aimed at maintaining peace and stability in South Asia. The FO emphasized that its strategic program is a “sacred trust” from the nation, adding, “The sanctity of this trust cannot be compromised.”
Commercial Entities Targeted
The FO also expressed regret over sanctions targeting private entities, arguing that similar past actions were based on “mere doubts and suspicion without any evidence.”
Highlighting what it called US double standards, the FO noted, “While claiming strict adherence to non-proliferation norms, licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries have been waived off in the past.”
Broader Context of US Sanctions
This is not the first instance of US sanctions targeting Pakistani entities. In September, the US imposed restrictions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it claimed were supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller previously defended such actions, emphasizing that the US would act against its allies when national interests were at stake.
“Pakistan has been a long-term partner of ours, and I think what this action shows is that there continue to be areas of disagreement. When such disagreements arise, we won’t hesitate to act to protect America’s interests,” Miller said in September.
Earlier in April, Pakistan also faced US sanctions on three Chinese entities and one Belarusian firm for allegedly supplying missile-related items.
Implications for Regional Stability
The FO warned that such sanctions could have “dangerous implications” for strategic stability in South Asia and beyond.
Pakistan’s ballistic missile program has long been a contentious issue in its relationship with the US, particularly as Washington navigates its strategic ties with both Islamabad and New Delhi.
Despite reaffirming Pakistan’s status as a “long-term partner,” the US has consistently acted against entities it deems in violation of its non-proliferation policies, a stance that has often strained bilateral ties.
Moving Forward
Pakistan continues to stress the importance of strategic parity in South Asia to ensure regional peace and stability. The FO urged the US to adopt a balanced approach and refrain from actions that could destabilize the region further.
As the geopolitical landscape in South Asia evolves, Pakistan’s response to these sanctions will play a critical role in shaping its diplomatic and strategic engagements with the US and other global powers.
