the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement describing as an unfortunate biased the decision of the United States to impose sanctions against the NDC, responsible for the ballistic missile program, and the companies Affiliates International, Akhtar, and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.

To justify its action, the US government said that the NDC, located in Islamabad, has worked to acquire items that boost Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, including special vehicle chassis intended to be used as launch and test support equipment.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry called the move a challenge to peace and security. The ministry stated that such policies have dangerous implications for the strategic stability of the region and beyond. It said Pakistan strictly adheres to non-proliferation norms and the country’s strategic capabilities are aimed at defending its sovereignty and preserving peace and stability in South Asia.

In this regard, the Foreign Ministry added that double standards and discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of non-proliferation norms and endanger regional and international peace and security.

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