WASHINGTON: The US State Department has reaffirmed Pakistan`s status as a long-term partner, while also emphasising that Washington will not hesitate to impose sanctions on allies when it comes to protecting its own interests.

During a news briefing on Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the recent US decision to sanction companies allegedly supplying component s for Pakistan`s missile programme. On Sept 12, the State Department imposed sanctions on three Chinese firms and one Pakistan-based company, citing their involvement in Pakistan`s ballistic missile programme.

`Pakistan has been a long-term partner of ours, and I think what this actionshows, is that there continue to be areas of disagreement. When such disagreements arise, we won`t hesitate to act to protect America`s interests,` he said.

When reminded by a reporter that the sanctions might contradict the spirit of partnership, Miller stated, `It has been our longstanding policy to deny support to Pakistan`s long-range ballistic missile programme, and we will continue to use sanctions and other tools to ensure our national security is not compromised`.

Miller also emphasised that Washington would not allow its partners to misuse US financial assistance.

He also highlighted last week`s executive order as part of a broader effort to curb proliferation-related activities across the world. `The executive order action that was taken last week follows our October 2023 and April 2024 designation of six Chinese and one Belarusian entity that have worked to supply Pakistan`s missile programme, as well as the listing of numerous Pakistani and third-country entities on the Department of Commerce Entity List for decades,` he explained.