On December 24, 2024, the United States imposed new sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including the National Development Complex (NDC), due to their involvement in Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program. These sanctions freeze U.S.-based assets and prohibit American engagement with these entities. U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer expressed concerns over Pakistan's increasingly sophisticated missile advancements, which are perceived as a threat not only to regional stability but also to U.S. interests and align with long-standing worries from India. The sanctions also reflect apprehensions about Pakistan's defense cooperation with China, particularly regarding missile and nuclear technology support. The sanctioned entities include Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise [639dda45].
In response to the sanctions, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry criticized them as discriminatory, emphasizing the country's refusal to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its estimated 170 nuclear warheads. Pakistan condemned the sanctions as baseless and a violation of its sovereignty, warning of potentially dangerous implications for regional stability. This move comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with significant economic and political crises, complicating its military readiness. Observers have noted that the U.S.'s actions may appear hypocritical, especially given its military support to allies like India. Furthermore, these sanctions could drive Pakistan closer to China, its primary defense partner, thereby risking further destabilization of the already tense South Asia region [07eaaedc].