The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on four Pakistani entities, calling the move “biased” and a threat to both regional and global peace. The sanctions, announced by the US State Department, target firms allegedly involved in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
The US sanctions list includes the Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise. These entities were accused of contributing to the proliferation or delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
Pakistan Rejects Sanctions as Discriminatory
In a press release, the FO expressed disappointment over the sanctions, describing them as “unfortunate and biased.” It criticized the US for what it called “double standards” in its approach to non-proliferation, arguing that such actions undermine the credibility of global non-proliferation regimes and jeopardize peace and security.
“Pakistan considers the US decision to impose sanctions on NDC and three commercial entities as discriminatory. Such policies not only accentuate military asymmetries but also have dangerous implications for strategic stability in the region and beyond,” the FO stated.
The FO emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are designed to safeguard its sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in South Asia. It argued that the sanctions contradict the goal of promoting peace and security by creating imbalances in the region.
Sanctions on Private Firms Based on “Doubts”
The FO also criticized the sanctions on the three Karachi-based private companies, claiming they were imposed without evidence. “Similar listings of commercial entities in the past were based on mere doubts and suspicions, without any concrete proof,” the statement said.
It further highlighted what it called the US’s selective application of non-proliferation norms, pointing out that licensing requirements for advanced military technology have been waived for certain countries in the past. “Such discriminatory practices undermine the principles of fairness and impartiality in non-proliferation regimes,” the FO added.
Strategic Program a “Sacred Trust”
The FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic program, describing it as a “sacred trust” entrusted to the leadership by the country’s 240 million citizens. It stressed that this trust is held in high regard across the political spectrum and cannot be compromised.
US Sanctions on Allies
This is not the first time the US has imposed sanctions on Pakistani entities. In September, the State Department sanctioned a Chinese research institute and several companies for allegedly supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. At the time, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged Pakistan as a long-term partner but stated that the US would not hesitate to impose sanctions on allies when its own interests are at stake.
“Pakistan has been a long-term partner of ours, but this action demonstrates that there are still areas of disagreement. When such disagreements arise, we will act to protect America’s interests,” Miller said.
Earlier in April, Pakistan also rejected US sanctions on four entities — three Chinese and one Belarusian — accused of supplying missile-related items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. At the time, Pakistan criticized the sanctions as a “political use of export controls.”
Implications for Regional Stability
The FO warned that the latest sanctions could have serious consequences for regional stability. It reiterated that Pakistan’s strategic program is aimed at maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and ensuring the country’s sovereignty. The FO called on the US to adopt a more balanced and fair approach to non-proliferation issues, emphasizing the need for policies that promote peace rather than exacerbate tensions.
