The Foreign Office (FO) has criticized recent sanctions imposed by the United States on Pakistani entities, calling them unjustified and detrimental to both regional and global stability.
These measures, announced on Wednesday, target four organizations alleged to have ties to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including the National Development Complex (NDC) in Islamabad and three Karachi-based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise.
In its response, the FO expressed dismay over what it termed a “discriminatory approach,” emphasizing that such actions undermine the effectiveness of global non-proliferation efforts and jeopardize peace and security in South Asia.
Pakistan views its strategic capabilities as essential for safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining regional equilibrium, the statement said.
The FO further criticized the sanctions as perpetuating military imbalances in the region, which it argued could destabilize the broader international security landscape.
It also highlighted the lack of concrete evidence behind previous sanctions on private Pakistani firms, asserting that these measures were often based on unfounded suspicions.
While condemning the restrictions, the FO underscored Pakistan’s commitment to non-proliferation principles, pointing out that similar standards were not applied universally, as some nations were exempted from licensing requirements for advanced military technology.
The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to uphold its strategic program, describing it as a responsibility entrusted by its citizens and a critical element of national security.
The FO called for a fair and balanced approach to global non-proliferation regimes to foster trust and stability worldwide.
