On 18th December the United States placed sanctions on 4 firms which were aiding Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program. The sanctions were imposed due to the consistent threats emerging from the contiguous proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development.
Taking to X, the US Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller stated, “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.”
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.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) December 18, 2024
Acknowledging the sanctioned entities were responsible as the “proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery”, the US justified its action.
Miller further stated that the National Development Complex (NDC), in Islamabad, Pakistan, along with Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise have been engaged in procurement of items for boosting Pakistan’s long range ballistic missile program. This includes special vehicle chassis which is to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment. US has concluded that the NDC is responsible for Pakistan’s development of ballistic missiles, including the SHAHEEN-series ballistic missiles.
Akhtar and Sons Private Limited in Karachi, Pakistan, was tasked by NDC to deliver a range of equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program.
Affiliates International in Karachi, Pakistan, has worked to expediently facilitate procurements of missile-related items for NDC and others in support of the ballistic missile program.
Rockside Enterprise, also located in Karachi, Pakistan, has also contributed to the Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program by supplying a range of equipment to NDC.
Based on the findings, the US has declared these entities as pursuant to E.O. 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items, by Pakistan.
The United States is committed to deterring and disrupting weapons of mass destruction networks and their means of delivery. To promote global security, we are imposing sanctions on five entities and one individual that are proliferating dangerous missile technology.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) September 12, 2024
On 12th September, the US Department of State had acted against five entities and one individual that were involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology. Amongst these, the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) and three PRC (People’s Republic of China) based entities and a Pakistani entity were placed under the sanctions. PRC-based firms included the Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (aka Lontek) along with a PRC individual Luo Dongmei (aka Steed Luo).
There was a Pakistani-based entity Innovative Equipment which was also included. RIAMB had collaborated with Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) and was involved in the development and production of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles – to procure equipment for testing of large diameter rocket motors, including the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel. The sanctions were issued under the missile sanctions laws (i.e., the Arms Export Control Act [AECA] and the Export Control Reform Act [ECRA]). These sanctions are being imposed as it was understood that these entities and individual had consciously transferred equipment and technology controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex, in support of MTCR Category I missile programs, to a non-MTCR country.
Under these sanctions, the US-based assets of those named can be frozen, and US citizens or anyone within (or transiting) the US are banned from doing business with any group or person named.
It can be comprehended that this new round of sanctions may have been imposed as the US strategy to exert pressure on China. However, the question of limiting Pakistan’s missile programme may become suspended in abeyance due to its speedy growth. The US worries clearly rise from the spread of ballistic missile technology, which may desiccate the regional security equilibriums and spark the spread of armaments.
Pakistan is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The MTCR is viewed as an informal political understanding among 35 nations who work to curb the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.
Despite not being a member, Pakistan is forced to abide by its guidelines i.e. to avoid the pressure of 35 states, amongst which is its rival India. This is precisely the reason why it can be inferred that Pakistan avoided developing the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The ICBMS have a range which is more than 5,000km, while Pakistan’s entire defence doctrine focuses heavily on deterrence against India.
Pakistan’s nuclear program stands rigidly by its consistent defiance of international sanctions. Post Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Pakistan strived to attain its own tactical agenda by disregarding the US and efforts and policies. It has managed to leverage its stance due to its strategic location which would have been a possible buffer between the West and South Asia. However, its agenda to gain strategic depth in Afghanistan was lost with the depreciating diplomatic ties with the Taliban.
Instead of building on the integration efforts by America, Pakistan has chosen to cultivate stronger relations with China. While Pakistan’s close proximity to Beijing may act like bargaining chip in front of the US, it also provides a reciprocal reaction from US who is determined to limit the Chinese influence in the region.
The US-Pakistan relationship appeared to be symbiotically beneficial in theory, however it can be deduced that it may exist due to “mutual vulnerability”, given both the states had the means to threaten the other’s interest. US has tried to exert compliance from Pakistan by imposing sanctions against it depending on its interest.
Additionally, the American refusal to provide material support to Pakistan in its many altercations with India by way of imposing economic and military sanctions on it, seems to have dissipated Pakistan’s expectations of the western power. In the 90’s the factors leading to the US sanctions on Pakistan were primarily due to Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation activities and its growing support to terror outfits and Islamic fundamentalists. However, Pakistan continues to maintain that the US sanctions are based on assumptions without evidentiary proof, undermining the credibility of non-proliferation regimes.
Contrary to Pakistan’s statement in November, regarding the US as ‘old friend and partner’, Islamabad can be seen using sharp words against the US, calling the imposed sanctions, as “unfortunate and biased”. The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan has issued its own statement claiming that such a move will augment the regional military imbalances and undermine the peace keeping efforts in South Asia, given the sole purpose of Pakistan’s defence policies originate from its strategic polices against India and means to outweigh India’s growing military influence.