Sanctions have historically played an important role in shaping relations between the United States (US) and Pakistan. The US-Pakistan relationship has been characterized by cooperation and tensions at different periods, mostly centered on security and regional balance. Through the years, the US has imposed a series of sanctions on Pakistan targeting its nuclear and missile programs, military activities and economic policies. These sanctions have been justified as measures to prevent nuclear proliferation and ensure regional stability. At the same time, however, they have been severely criticized for being selective and shaped by geopolitical motivations.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Pakistan since the 1960s, often in response to its conflicts with India or its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. While the total financial impact of these sanctions has exceeded $25 billion, their impact on changing Pakistan’s strategic behavior has been controversial.[1] Most recently, in December 2024, the United States imposed new sanctions targeting Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies (Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise) for their alleged role in the development of Pakistan’s long-range missile program. Legitimized under Executive Order 13382, these measures aim to prevent Pakistan from developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching beyond South Asia. While these sanctions aim to have a major impact on regional security dynamics, they have also raised questions about Pakistan’s commitment to improving its defense capacity.[2]
The US has expressed concern that Pakistan’s missile capacity could pose a threat to global security. US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer suggested that Pakistan’s long-range missiles could target the United States.[3] Pakistan, however, dismissed these claims as specious and argued that its missile program was purely defensive and aimed at maintaining strategic parity with India. In this context, Pakistan considers it unfair for the US to ignore any interference in its military power and nuclear capability and target only Pakistan. India’s more advanced missile program is also an important point of contention for Pakistan. Pakistan has consistently criticized the failure of the United States to impose similar sanctions against India, arguing that it ignores the asymmetrical security balance between the two countries. Indeed, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the country’s strategic capabilities are a “sacred trust” given by the Pakistani people to their leaders for national security.[4]
Despite the sanctions, Pakistan has shown some resilience by diversifying its defense partnerships and developing indigenous capabilities. Cooperation with China through joint projects such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet and Hangor-class submarines has reduced dependence on US support. Relations with China have meant greater cooperation, especially in the defense sector, and this has helped Pakistan to remain resilient to US sanctions. However, sanctions still pose challenges for Pakistan. In particular, difficulties in procuring spare parts and maintaining missile systems threaten the sustainability of Pakistan’s military technology.
The US sanctions against Pakistan are not only about non-proliferation. They are also a tactic of the broader geopolitical US-China rivalry. By targeting entities linked to Pakistan’s missile program, the US aims to limit China’s influence in the region. However, this approach carries the risk of further complicating US-Pakistan relations by bringing Pakistan closer to China.In particular, China’s military and economic support to Pakistan has led Pakistan to question its ties with the United States and cooperate more deeply with China. While this strategy has had limited success in achieving US objectives, it risks further complicating US-Pakistan relations as it pushes Pakistan towards closer ties with China.[5]
Sanctions are also exacerbating strategic imbalances in South Asia. While Pakistan faces restrictions, India continues to develop its missile capabilities with US support. This creates an unstable security environment. As India deepens its defense cooperation with the United States, sanctions on Pakistan have the potential to further complicate the balance of power in the region. This strategic imbalance undermines regional stability and fuels mistrust between nuclear-armed neighbors. In this context, sanctions could have long-term negative effects on both global and regional security.[6]
Sanctions have significant economic implications for Pakistan, particularly for its defense sector. The freezing of US assets and restrictions on American ties with sanctioned entities could hinder Pakistan’s access to critical technologies and financing. This could complicate Pakistan’s efforts to make its defense industry and technological infrastructure more independent. In particular, access to advanced military technologies is of great strategic importance for Pakistan. However, sanctions could continue to hinder this process.
Diplomatically, Pakistan walks a tight line between its ties with the United States and its strategic partnership with China. Sanctions complicate efforts to balance these relationships as Pakistan seeks to address energy shortages through projects such as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, which faces US opposition. US sanctions against Pakistan have also led Pakistan to seek more options in international relations. This has encouraged Pakistan to forge new alliances to limit US influence.
In conclusion, although the US sanctions against Pakistan are aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation, their impact remains questionable when regional security and geopolitical calculations are taken into account. While the sanctions may challenge Pakistan’s capacity for strategic adaptation, they have also led it to deepen its relations with China, further complicating security dynamics in the region. In this case, the future of relations between the US and Pakistan is in a process that requires a new approach based on mutual trust, understanding and cooperation.
[1] “In-depth Report On US Sanctions On Pakistan”, Current Affairs, https://www.currentaffairs.com.pk/in-depth-report-on-us-sanctions-on-pakistan/, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[2] “U.S. Sanctions on Pakistan’s Missile Program: Impacts and Geopolitics”, South Asia Times, https://southasiatimes.org/us-sanctions-on-pakistans-missile-program-impacts-and-geopolitics/, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[3] “US Unveils Sanctions on Pakistan Ballistic Missile Program”, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2024/12/us-unveils-sanctions-on-pakistan-ballistic-missile-program/, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[4] “US sanctions won’t impact Pakistan’s missile programme: ex-envoy”, Dawn, https://www.dawn.com/news/1879942, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[5] “U.S. Sanctions on Pakistan’s Missile Program: Impacts and Geopolitics”, South Asia Times,
https://southasiatimes.org/us-sanctions-on-pakistans-missile-program-impacts-and-geopolitics/, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[6] Ibid.