US reiterates objections on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program
The US Department of State
reaffirmed its commitment to curtail support for Pakistan’s ballistic missile
program on Tuesday.
Last week, the State Department
imposed sanctions on several suppliers associated with the program, targeting
five entities and one individual involved in the proliferation of ballistic
missile technology and equipment. Notably, the Beijing Research Institute of
Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) was designated under Executive
Order 13382, which addresses the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
(WMDs) and their delivery systems.
RIAMB has collaborated with
Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), which the US assesses is engaged
in developing and producing the country's long-range ballistic missiles. This
collaboration included procuring equipment for testing large-diameter rocket
motors, specifically for systems like the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel, as well as
potentially larger systems.
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sanctions to hurt Pakistan’s ballistic missile program
This marks the third instance within
the past year that the US has imposed sanctions related to Pakistan’s missile
program, following similar actions in October 2023 and April 2024, which
designated six entities from the People's Republic of China and one from
Belarus.
During a daily briefing, State
Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We have been clear and
consistent about our concerns regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program
for many years.” He emphasized the US commitment to strengthening the
international nonproliferation regime and reiterated the long-standing policy
of denying support to Pakistan’s long-range missile initiatives.
Read More US
imposes sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program
Miller acknowledged Pakistan as a
long-term partner but justified the sanctions by stating, “What this action
shows is that there continue to be areas of disagreement, and when we have
those disagreements, we don’t hesitate to act to protect America’s interests.”
Source: The News