Sanctions Against Pakistan for Detonation of a Nuclear Explosive Device

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In simple terms

President Clinton formally determined that Pakistan, a non-nuclear-weapon state, detonated a nuclear explosive device on May 28, 1998, triggering mandatory sanctions under section 102(b) of the Arms Export Control Act. The determination directs relevant U.S. government agencies to impose the congressionally prescribed sanctions and orders the Secretary of State to transmit the determination to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 63 FR 31881

Record & deadlines

May 30, 1998Signed
Signed by the President
Jun 10, 1998FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 63 FR 31881
Federal Register PDF
May 30, 1998
Determination signed and sanctions triggered
May 30, 1998
Agencies to impose sanctions under section 102(b)(2)

Key directives

Determine Pakistan detonated nuclear explosive device May 28, 1998
Direct relevant agencies to impose sanctions described in section 102(b)(2) of Arms Export Control Act
Transmit determination to appropriate congressional committees
Arrange publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

Sanctions automatically triggered under Arms Export Control Act
Determination transmitted to Congress and published in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

Agencies implement specific sanctions under section 102(b)(2)

Long term

Potential bilateral relationship strain
Possible congressional action to modify or waive sanctions

Risks & tensions

Mandatory sanctions structure limits presidential flexibility
May complicate Pakistan cooperation on Afghanistan, counterterrorism
Potential congressional vs executive branch tension over waiver authority
Vague 'relevant agencies' language — specific implementing actors not enumerated