The United States has taken strong action against Pakistan by imposing sanctions on several Pakistani organizations. This includes the National Development Complex (NDC), a state-owned group accused of playing a major role in developing long-range ballistic missiles. The US State Department announced these sanctions this week, claiming that the NDC is key to creating Pakistan’s Shaheen missile series, known for its long-range capabilities.
The sanctions include freezing assets and blocking business dealings with US companies. Jon Finer, Deputy National Security Advisor under President Joe Biden, expressed concern about the growing power of Pakistan’s missile technology. He said that these advances could pose a serious threat to the US and raised questions about Pakistan’s intentions, particularly regarding the acquisition of rocket-motor testing equipment that could strengthen their missile program.
Along with the NDC, three businesses based in Karachi—Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise—have also been sanctioned. The US accuses these companies of helping Pakistan develop its ballistic missiles. These sanctions are part of a broader US effort to crack down on weapons spread across the world, and earlier this year, similar measures were taken against foreign entities, including a Chinese research institute, for their alleged role in Pakistan’s missile program.
Despite the sanctions, Pakistan continues to insist that its missile program is for defense, aiming to ensure regional security. The country’s government condemned the sanctions, calling them unfair and harmful to regional stability. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that these actions could have dangerous effects on the security of the entire region and beyond. The country also accused the US of being hypocritical, pointing out that it allows other nations to buy advanced military technology without restrictions.
Even the political party of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has opposed the sanctions. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan’s party, criticized the US decision on social media, calling it unjust and harmful to Pakistan.
As the situation develops, tensions are rising, with the US and Pakistan now at odds over missile development and military strategies. Will this conflict escalate, or will the two nations find common ground? Only time will tell.
