US Sanctions Pakistan's National Development Complex Over Shaheen-Series Missiles, Citing Emerging Threat: Jon Finer

Dec 19, 2024, 08:23 PM

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, targeting four entities including the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC) and three private companies in Karachi: Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise. These sanctions were announced by the U.S. State Department, citing concerns over the proliferation threat posed by Pakistan's missile development, specifically the Shaheen-series missiles capable of reaching up to 2,750 kilometers. The measures aim to freeze any U.S. property owned by these entities and prohibit U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions with them. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has denounced these sanctions as 'unfortunate and biased,' arguing that they undermine regional peace and security. Additionally, a senior White House official, Jon Finer, described Pakistan's missile program as an 'emerging threat' to the United States, highlighting the country's development of increasingly sophisticated missile technology that could potentially reach targets beyond South Asia, including the U.S. Pakistan is estimated to possess around 170 nuclear warheads.