'Clear & consistent': US sanctions 4 entities supplying equipment to Pakistan's ballistic missile program

The United States on Wednesday sanctioned four entities which they claimed are contributing to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program. The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the news, following which the department released a statement, revealing the names of the entities.

In the statement, the department maintained that the United States has been consistent about its concerns over the matter. “Today, the United States is designating four entities that are contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. We have been clear and consistent about our concerns, and we will continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues,” Miller said in a post on X.

Today, the United States is designating four entities that are contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. We have been clear and consistent about our concerns, and we will continue to engage constructively with Pakistan on these issues.

— State Department Spokesperson 2013-2025 (@statedeptspox_a) December 18, 2024

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“In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery,” the statement further reads. The department went on to claim that these entities are proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

Names of the four entities

Shortly after Miller’s statement, the State Department listed out names of the four entities they claimed are helping Pakistan’s missile development program. They are as follows:

1. The National Development Complex (NDC): The complex is located in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and has worked towards acquiring items in furtherance of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program - including special vehicle chassis intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment. “The United States assesses NDC is responsible for Pakistan’s development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles,” the department said in the Wednesday statement.

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2. Akhtar and Sons Private Limited: The company is located in Karachi. The department claimed that it worked for NDC to supply a range of equipment to help with the program.

3. Affiliates International: The entity is also located in Karachi and has facilitated procurements of missile-applicable items for NDC and others in support of Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.

4. Rockside Enterprise: The department claimed that the company located in Karachi has also supplied equipment to NDC.

US’s concern over Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme

In September this year, the State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies, claiming that they have been supplying the NDC with equipment.

At that time, Miller said that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems.

In 2023, Washington sanctioned three China-based companies, accusing them of supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan. Pakistan is yet to respond to the recent sanctions by the US.