ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan firmly dismissed allegations made by the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, regarding Pakistan’s missile capabilities posing a potential threat to the United States. On Thursday, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi addressed the media, clarifying that Pakistan’s strategic weapons are strictly defensive and designed to protect the country’s sovereignty while contributing to peace and stability in South Asia.
These comments came in response to Gabbard’s recent testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where she listed Pakistan among several nations whose evolving missile programs are raising strategic concerns for the United States. Gabbard highlighted Islamabad’s development of long-range ballistic missiles, suggesting that these advancements might eventually place the American mainland within reach. Alongside Pakistan, she named Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea as countries actively pursuing new missile delivery systems, including those capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads.
In her 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, Gabbard specifically mentioned the possibility that Pakistan’s ballistic missile program could evolve to include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which would represent a significant escalation in the country’s military capabilities. This assertion has sparked considerable debate, given the sensitive nature of missile proliferation and regional security dynamics.
Responding to these claims, the Foreign Office spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s missile arsenal remains well below the threshold of intercontinental range. Andrabi pointed out that Islamabad’s strategic doctrine is based on credible minimum deterrence, primarily focused on maintaining a balance with India, its regional rival. He contrasted this with India’s missile development trajectory, which includes systems with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometers. Andrabi, such advancements by India extend beyond regional defense needs and raise concerns not only within South Asia but also for the broader international community.
Furthermore, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering constructive relations with the United States, underscoring the importance of mutual respect, fairness, and accuracy in bilateral engagements. He called for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach from Washington that takes into account the strategic realities of South Asia. Andrabi stressed that such an approach would better serve the goals of peace, security, and stability across the region, rather than exacerbating tensions through alarmist rhetoric.
In summary, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has categorically rejected the US intelligence claims as unfounded and misrepresentative of Islamabad’s defense policies. The government continues to advocate for dialogue and cooperation aimed at reducing misunderstandings and promoting a stable security environment in South Asia. This episode highlights the ongoing complexities in US-Pakistan relations, especially in the context of regional security and strategic competition.
