In a press briefing in Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that there are allegations on these companies for assisting in the advancement of Pakistan s ballistic missile programme.

Additionally, three Karachi-based organizations were identified, and actions will be taken against sources or methods of delivering weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctioned firms include Islamabad’s National Development Complex and three Karachi-based organisations - Akhtar and Sons, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprises. This is not the first time the U.S. has sanctioned Pakistani companies; similar measures have been taken in April, September, and October of this year to disrupt Pakistan’s missile and drone programmes.

On the other hand, Pakistan has condemned the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on four firms, describing the move as biased.

The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that Pakistan s strategic capabilities are aimed at maintaining peace and stability in South Asia. The U.S. decision to impose sanctions is prejudiced and it undermines these efforts.

In a statement, the Foreign Office highlighted that such discriminatory actions threaten regional and global security and deviate from the objectives of peace and safety. It accused the sanctions of fostering military imbalance.

The spokesperson emphasized that such policies have dangerous implications for regional and global strategic stability. Pakistan s strategic program is a sacred trust endowed by its 240 million citizens, and this trust is honored with the highest regard in the political realm.