The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on several Pakistani companies, citing their involvement in supporting Pakistan’s missile program, particularly the development of long-range ballistic missiles like the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel, both of which are nuclear-capable. One of the targeted companies, Innovative Equipment, was sanctioned alongside a Chinese firm for aiding Pakistan’s missile technology, prompting concerns about the proliferation of such technologies to non-Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) member states like Pakistan. The sanctions aim to curtail the transfer of sensitive technology that could further bolster Pakistan’s missile capabilities.
This isn’t the first instance of U.S. sanctions on Pakistani firms. In 2019, five companies, including Fabcon International and Paktech Engineers, were added to the U.S. Entity List for engaging in unsafeguarded nuclear activities
These actions prevent the sanctioned firms from accessing U.S. exports and dealing with American businesses.
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According to recent reports, the U.S. Commerce Department added Pakistani, Chinese, and Emirati firms to its sanctions list for supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This includes both the Shaheen-3, capable of striking targets over 2,700 kilometers, and the MIRV-equipped Ababeel, designed to evade missile defense systems
These sanctions, part of the U.S.’s broader non-proliferation efforts, emphasize its continued scrutiny over Pakistan’s defense capabilities and its reliance on foreign support for missile development. The measures are expected to impact the supply chains and international relations of the affected companies, marking a significant step in the U.S.’s attempts to regulate missile proliferation.
