ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong rebuttal on Thursday against recent statements made by the United States Director of National Intelligence, which suggested that Pakistan’s missile capabilities might pose a threat extending beyond the South Asian region. The remarks sparked immediate diplomatic pushback from Islamabad, which emphasized that its strategic weapons are strictly defensive and aimed at maintaining regional stability.
In an official statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi firmly dismissed the allegations, underscoring that Pakistan’s missile program is developed within the framework of a credible minimum deterrence policy. This doctrine is designed to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure peace in a volatile neighborhood, particularly given the long-standing security challenges Pakistan faces from its eastern neighbor, India. Andrabi clarified that the missile systems currently in place do not possess intercontinental range capabilities and are intended solely to address regional security concerns.
The controversy arose following testimony by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard before a Senate committee, where she included Pakistan among a group of nations reportedly advancing their missile technologies. Gabbard suggested that these developments might eventually enable Pakistan to target locations as far away as the United States. This assertion has been met with skepticism and criticism from Pakistani officials and defense analysts, who argue that the US is disproportionately focusing on Pakistan’s missile program while overlooking similar advancements by other regional powers.
Experts in Islamabad point out that Pakistan has consistently maintained transparency about its missile capabilities and remains committed to strategic restraint. They highlight that the country’s missile arsenal is calibrated to deter aggression and prevent conflict escalation, rather than to project power globally. The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the United States on matters of mutual security interest, urging Washington to adopt a balanced and fact-based approach that respects Pakistan’s legitimate defense needs.
Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical context underscores the sensitivity surrounding missile development in South Asia, where historical tensions and unresolved disputes continue to influence defense policies. Pakistan’s insistence on credible minimum deterrence reflects its strategic calculus to maintain stability without triggering an arms race. As Islamabad navigates these complex dynamics, it remains focused on fostering regional peace and cooperation, while safeguarding its national security through measured and responsible defense measures.
