The U.S. Department of State has announced sanctions against four entities for their alleged involvement in supplying materials and equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile capabilities.

This action falls under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, said the state department in a statement.

The sanctioned entities include:

• Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (Belarus): This company provided specialized vehicle chassis used as launch support equipment for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles.

• Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (China): This entity supplied missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, potentially used in producing rocket motor cases.

• Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd (China): This company provided equipment like stir welding machines and a linear accelerator system, potentially used in manufacturing propellant tanks and inspecting solid rocket motors.

• Granpect Company Limited (China): This entity collaborated with Pakistan’s space agency and missile development complex to supply equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors.

These sanctions freeze any assets these entities may have within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. individuals and companies from engaging in transactions with them.

The State Department emphasized that these sanctions aim to deter further proliferation activities and encourage a change in behavior. The ultimate goal is not punishment but to promote international security and nonproliferation efforts.