Washington, D.C.—A senior White House official has raised alarms over Pakistan’s advancements in missile technology, labeling the development of long-range ballistic missiles as an emerging threat to the United States.
The warning follows the Biden administration’s imposition of sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including the state-owned National Development Complex (NDC), for their involvement in the country’s missile program.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on Thursday, underscored growing concerns over Pakistan’s actions. “Simply put, we are going to keep the pressure on Pakistan regarding its long-range missile program, even as we also continue to seek diplomatic resolutions to address our concerns,” Finer stated.
The sanctions, announced on Wednesday, target the NDC in Islamabad—overseer of Pakistan’s ballistic missile initiatives—as well as three Karachi-based companies: Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise. These entities were deemed instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s missile capabilities.
“This is the first time we have sanctioned a Pakistani state-owned enterprise tied to missile development,” Finer emphasized, highlighting the significance of the action.
Finer elaborated on Pakistan’s advancements, including long-range ballistic missiles and rocket motor testing technologies, warning they could extend Pakistan’s strike capabilities far beyond South Asia, potentially reaching the US. “It raises real questions about Pakistan’s intentions,” he said.
With only a few nations—Russia, North Korea, and China—currently capable of launching nuclear weapons that can reach the US, Pakistan’s missile developments have triggered concern in Washington. Finer described Pakistan’s trajectory as a direct security challenge, adding, “It is hard for us to see Pakistan’s actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States.”
While the US and Pakistan maintain historical ties in areas such as counter-terrorism and development, Finer criticized Islamabad’s disregard for American warnings. “We have supported Pakistan in difficult times and desire a cooperative relationship in areas of mutual interest. That makes these developments even more troubling,” he said.
The latest sanctions add to three prior rounds targeting foreign entities that support Pakistan’s missile program. Finer vowed continued vigilance, asserting that the US “cannot and will not simply sit back and watch the development of capabilities that we believe pose a threat.”
“This is a matter of ensuring our security and the security of our allies,” Finer concluded, reaffirming the administration’s resolve to address the issue.