The United States announced on Wednesday it was imposing new sanctions related to nuclear-armed Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, including on the state-owned defense agency that oversees it.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press release that the sanctions were imposed under an executive order targeting “proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.”
According to the U.S. State Department, the measures freeze any U.S.-based assets of Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) and its affiliated companies and prohibit Americans from engaging in transactions with them.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the sanctions “unfortunate and biased,” arguing that they would disrupt military balance and harm regional stability. The ministry described Pakistan’s strategic program as “a sacred trust given by 240 million people” and emphasized its inviolability.
The ministry also expressed regret over the sanctions on commercial entities, accusing the U.S. of acting on suspicion rather than evidence. “These measures could destabilize the region,” the statement warned, urging Washington to reconsider its decision.
Previous Sanctions
The sanctions on the NDC and its affiliated companies follow a series of similar U.S. actions targeting Pakistan’s missile program. In October 2023, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) blacklisted 16 companies accused of supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
Earlier, in September, the U.S. sanctioned Chinese firms and individuals for allegedly supplying materials to Pakistan’s missile and nuclear programs. Three additional Chinese companies faced similar sanctions the following month.
The State Department said the NDC, based in Islamabad, has sought components for its long-range ballistic missile program and equipment for missile testing.
National Development Complex
The NDC, established in 1990 near Rawalpindi, plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s defense and space programs. The agency has developed several missile systems, including the Shaheen-1, Shaheen-2, Babur, and Ghauri-3.
According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Pakistan’s Shaheen missile series is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Babur missile is Pakistan’s first land-attack cruise missile with a range of 750 kilometers, while the Ghauri-3 is a long-range missile with a strike capability of up to 3,000 kilometers.
In addition to missiles, the NDC has contributed to space research and developed technologies for artillery and infantry equipment. Pakistan, which conducted its first nuclear test in 1998, is estimated to possess 170 nuclear warheads. Islamabad has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Additional Entities Sanctioned
Three Karachi-based companies—Akhtar & Sons Private Limited, Rockside Enterprises, and Affiliates International—were also sanctioned. The State Department accused the firms of working with the NDC to acquire equipment for the ballistic missile program.
Two of the companies, Akhtar & Sons and Rockside Enterprises, share an address, while Affiliates International is located in Kemari.
“The United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.