US Sanctions on Pakistan: Implications for Regional Stability and Global Alliances The latest U.S. sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile program underscore growing tensions between Washington and Islamabad. While the sanctions aim to curb weapons proliferation, their broader impact could drive Pakistan closer to China , further destabilizing South Asia and reshaping geopolitical alignments. Background On December 18, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions under Executive Order 13382, targeting four Pakistani entities, including the state-owned National Development Complex. This marks the fourth round of sanctions within 14 months , following actions against Chinese entities for allegedly supporting Pakistan's missile program. These sanctions are notable as the first to target a state-owned company in Pakistan. The U.S. rationale, articulated by Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, alleges that Pakistan’s missile advancements pose a potential long-range t...
