US once again refuses to support Pakistan's 'Ballistic missile programme'

The United States (US) on Wednesday once again denied its support to Pakistan in a long-range ballistic missile programme and refuted financial assistance of any country in the proliferation of weapons.

The statement came after the US imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies allegedly involved in supplying items for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.

“U.S. financial system cannot be used by proliferators,” said Mathew Miller, a spokesperson of the US State Department, in a weekly press briefing.

“We have been clear and consistent about our concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme for many years,” he added.

He reiterated the US commitment to following the policy of non-proliferation and vowed to take action against the supply of weapons.

“The United States is committed to strengthening the international nonproliferation regime by taking action against networks supporting activities of proliferation concern.

“When we have a disagreement, we would not hesitate to act in those in America’s action."

“It has been our longstanding policy to deny support to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, and we will continue to use our sanctions and others,” he said while responding to a journalist.

Earlier this month, the US imposed sanctions on five entities for assisting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.

The US State Department targeted three Chinese companies, a research institute, and an individual for providing material to Pakistan for the development of ballistic missiles.