We will continue to take action in the future as well. US is strict on Pakistan's ballistic missile program.

America has accused Pakistan of making long-range ballistic missiles. America alleged that these missiles would give Pakistan the ability to attack targets outside South Asia including America. This is the reason why America has now taken a tough stand against Pakistan. America has banned 4 companies associated with the missile program. America made it clear that it will continue to take action against such activities.

White said that a ban has been imposed on 4 companies of Pakistan. These include Aerospace and Defense Agency, National Development Complex (NDC).

Apart from this, three other companies are Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise. All three are based in Karachi. Based in Islamabad, NDC is responsible for the ballistic-missile program. These companies provided the necessary material to advance Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program.

US pressure on Pakistan

Principal Deputy National Security Advisor John Fine said in his remarks at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that in simple words, we will maintain pressure on Pakistan regarding its long-range missile program. At the same time, we will continue to seek diplomatic solutions to address our concerns. The US will continue to take action against such activity in the future as well.

Earlier in April this year, the US had banned three Chinese companies for supplying technology for Pakistan's ballistic missile program.

What did Pakistan say after the ban?

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday called the US decision unfortunate and biased. The ministry said that the US ban would harm our regional stability. This program was necessary to protect Pakistan's sovereignty and maintain peace and stability in South Asia.

Why were the restrictions imposed?

These sanctions have been imposed under the US WMD prevention policy. This step is not only an attempt to control Pakistan's weapons program, but also towards reducing the global threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Pakistan has 170 nuclear bombs

Pakistan has about 170 nuclear bombs. Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test in 1998. Pakistan is outside the international agreement related to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. The sanctions include three private companies - Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited and Rockside Enterprise. They are accused of helping in acquiring equipment for the NDC's missile program. Due to this, the US has banned them.