Pakistan protests US sanctions on firms linked to missile programmes.
Islamabad: Pakistan has reacted sharply to US sanctions on four firms for allegedly supplying items to its ballistic missile programmes, saying no evidence was shared about their links.
The State Department said the entities engaged in proliferation activities concerning weapons of mass destruction. These included Pakistan’s long-range missile and Space programmes SUPARCO and NDC.
In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign office termed past listings of commercial entities unfounded, noting that dual-use technology has civil applications. It accused Washington of arbitrary curbs and discriminatory implementation of export controls.
The firms sanctioned include the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant from Belarus for supplying vehicle chassis to Pakistan. China’s Tianjin Creative reportedly supplied stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system to SUPARCO.
Granpect from Belarus, too, worked on supplying equipment to test large rocket motors to SUPARCO and NDC. Pakistan has been modernising its military with Chinese help, including strategic programmes.
Stressing discussion is needed on mechanisms ensuring access to technology; Islamabad alleged some nations waived licensing for military transfers to certain states, undermining non-proliferation.
The US maintains it is committed to the global non-proliferation regime by disrupting supply networks, which aids proliferation concerns. However, Pakistan has been irked by the lack of evidence shared.
