Pakistan must now get US approval for more imports that could be used for weapons

The US Commerce Department now requires special licenses for more exports to Pakistan. This means the US government will review more transactions to prevent items from being used for purposes it does not approve.

The US has long tried to control what technology and materials reach countries it considers a proliferation risk. This rule change expands the list of items Pakistan needs US approval to import. It makes it harder for Pakistan to acquire certain dual-use goods without US oversight.