On Thursday, Pakistan strongly refuted recent allegations made by the United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, regarding the country’s missile capabilities posing a potential threat. The Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, issued a clear statement dismissing these assertions as unfounded and misleading. He emphasized that Pakistan’s missile program is strictly defensive, designed to protect the nation’s sovereignty and contribute to peace and stability within South Asia.
Andrabi elaborated that Pakistan’s strategic arsenal remains well within regional parameters, with missile ranges significantly below intercontinental levels. He underscored that the country’s defense doctrine is based on credible minimum deterrence, particularly in relation to India. This stance is intended to maintain a balance of power and prevent any escalation of conflict in the region. In contrast, he pointed out that India’s missile development, which reportedly includes systems with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometers, raises broader security concerns not only for neighboring countries but also for the wider international community.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to constructive diplomacy, the spokesperson called for a more nuanced and fact-based approach from the United States. He stressed the importance of mutual respect and accurate information in bilateral engagements, urging Washington to consider South Asia’s unique strategic dynamics. Andrabi, such an approach would better serve the goals of peace, security, and regional stability, which Pakistan remains dedicated to advancing through dialogue and cooperation.
The controversy stems from Gabbard’s presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the US Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. In her remarks, she identified Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan as nations developing a range of missile delivery systems capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. She specifically mentioned concerns that Pakistan’s ballistic missile program could evolve to include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with the capacity to reach the US homeland.
Gabbard further explained that these countries are likely monitoring US advancements in missile defense technology closely, aiming to tailor their own missile development strategies accordingly. The intelligence community anticipates a significant increase in missile threats over the next decade, projecting that the total number of missiles capable of threatening the US could rise from over 3,000 today to more than 16,000 by 2035. This forecast underscores the growing complexity of global missile proliferation and the challenges it poses to international security.
Observers note that Pakistan’s inclusion in the list of principal nuclear threats aligns with longstanding US policy narratives. Similar accusations surfaced in December 2024, when a senior White House official alleged that Pakistan was advancing long-range ballistic missile technologies potentially capable of striking targets beyond South Asia, including the United States. During the same period, the US imposed additional sanctions targeting four Pakistani entities accused of involvement in the proliferation or delivery of ballistic missile technology.
Pakistan’s firm rejection of these claims reflects its ongoing efforts to clarify its defense posture and counter what it views as misrepresentations. The government continues to advocate for dialogue and transparency to reduce tensions and foster a stable security environment in South Asia. As missile technology and strategic capabilities evolve globally, Pakistan’s emphasis remains on maintaining a credible deterrent while avoiding actions that could destabilize the region.
