ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Thursday its missile program is defensive in nature and remains well below intercontinental range, responding to remarks by a senior US intelligence official who warned Islamabad could develop long-range missiles capable of reaching the United States.
The comments came after US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers that Pakistan could potentially develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with the capability to strike the US homeland, placing it alongside countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran in Washington’s threat assessment.
“Pakistan categorically rejects the recent assertion by a United States official alleging a potential threat from Pakistan’s missile capabilities,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in statement issued after a media query.
Andrabi maintained Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are designed to safeguard its sovereignty in the region.
“Its missile program, which remains well below intercontinental range, is firmly rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence vis-à-vis India,” he added.
The foreign office spokesperson pointed out India’s missile capabilities, by contrast, exceeded 12,000 kilometers, reflecting a trajectory that extended beyond regional security considerations “and is certainly a cause of concern for the neighborhood and beyond.”
“Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement with the United States, anchored in mutual respect, non-discrimination, and factual accuracy,” he continued.
“We urge a more measured and considered approach that aligns with South Asia’s strategic imperatives and advances peace, security, and stability across the region,” he added.
ISRAEL’S ‘ROGUE CONDUCT’
Separately, the foreign office also rejected remarks by Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, who described Pakistan as a “rogue state with nuclear weapons” in a television interview.
“We firmly reject this baseless characterization,” Andrabi said.
“The real record of aggression and rogue conduct is evident in the illegal occupation, the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and the indictment of Israeli leadership in international courts,” he said. “Responsible states uphold international law — not deflect from it.”
Pakistan and Israel have no formal diplomatic relations, with Islamabad maintaining a long-standing policy of non-recognition tied to its support for Palestinian statehood.
