US slams sanctions on four companies aiding Pakistan's missile program

The United States (US) on Friday imposed sanctions on four companies for aiding Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program by supplying missile-related technology, according to the country's State Department press release.

The US sanctioned three Chinese firms, including Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co. Ltd, Granpect Company Limited, and one Belarus-based company, Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. 

“These entities have supplied missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile program,” the press release announced. 

Washington alleged that the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant aided Pakistan's development of long-range ballistic missiles by supplying crucial vehicle chassis. 

“Such chassis are used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), which is responsible for the development of Missile Technology Control Regime Category (MTCR) I ballistic missiles,” it said. 

“Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, supplied missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program that we assess was destined for NDC. Filament winding machines can be used to produce rocket motor cases,” the State Department added.

According to the statement, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd supplied welding equipment for Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), “which develops and produces Pakistan’s MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.”

Another Chinese company, Granpect Company Limited supplied equipment for the testing of large-diameter rocket motors to SUPARCO and NDC.

The statement asserted that any assets or ownership rights belonging to these companies, whether located within the US or held by US citizens or entities, “are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).”

The restrictions froze assets and prohibited financial transactions with designated individuals and companies. They also barred entry into the US for designated individuals.

Despite the US State Department's move to sanction foreign companies assisting its missile program, Pakistan has not offered any official response yet.