Pakistan has strongly criticised the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on four entities allegedly supporting its ballistic missile program, labeling the move as “biased” and counterproductive to regional peace.
In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are designed to safeguard its sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in South Asia. “These sanctions undermine the objectives of peace and security and represent a threat to both regional and global stability,” the statement read.
The sanctions, which target the National Development Complex in Islamabad and three Karachi-based firms—Akhtar & Son, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprises—were announced during a press briefing in Washington. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller claimed that the sanctioned entities were aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program by supplying special vehicle chassis used to launch missiles.
Pakistan dismissed these allegations as “superficial” and lacking evidence, accusing the US of unfairly targeting private entities. The Foreign Office argued that such measures risk exacerbating military imbalances and have dangerous implications for strategic stability.
“Pakistan’s strategic program is a sacred trust bestowed upon its leadership by the country’s 240 million citizens, and it serves as a key pillar of our national security,” the statement asserted.
The Foreign Office further pointed out the apparent double standards in US policy, noting that while the US preaches non-proliferation, it has granted waivers for advanced military technology to certain other nations, further destabilizing the region.
These developments have drawn attention to ongoing tensions in US-Pakistan relations, particularly concerning security and defense policies. Pakistan urged the international community to adopt a fair and balanced approach to promoting peace and security in South Asia.
The US claims the sanctions are part of broader efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery mechanisms, but Pakistan views them as a move that complicates an already fragile regional stability.
