Pakistan Slams US for Imposing Sanctions on Four Institutions Over Ballistic Missile Program Allegations

Islamabad:Pakistan has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on four Pakistani institutions accused of aiding the country’s ballistic missile program. The sanctions were imposed on the grounds that these institutions allegedly assisted in the development of ballistic missile systems, including the production of special vehicle chassis for missile launchers.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the US decision as “biased” and said that it undermines regional and global security. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are aimed at maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, not at destabilizing the region.

“The recent decision to impose sanctions is discriminatory and threatens regional and global peace,” Baloch said. “Such measures serve to increase military imbalance and do not contribute to peace and security.”

The spokesperson also reiterated that Pakistan’s strategic program is a sacred trust bestowed by its 240 million people, asserting that it is crucial for maintaining national sovereignty and regional stability.

The four Pakistani institutions targeted by the sanctions include Islamabad’s National Development Complex and three entities based in Karachi. The US State Department had alleged that these institutions played a role in advancing Pakistan’s missile program, specifically by assisting in the development of launch vehicle systems used for ballistic missiles.

In response, the US government reiterated its commitment to addressing weapons of mass destruction and their delivery mechanisms, stating that these sanctions are part of efforts to curb the proliferation of such technologies.