The United States said on Wednesday it was imposing new sanctions related to nuclear-armed Pakistan's long-range ballistic-missile program, including on the state-owned defense agency that oversees the program.

The United States imposed sanctions on Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC) and three associated companies for contributing to the country's long-range ballistic missile program. The sanctions aim to curb proliferation,

Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement that the US action was "unfortunate and biased" and would harm regional stability by "aiming to accentuate military asymmetries," an apparent reference to the country's rivalry with nuclear-armed India.