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Pakistan rejects US missile threat claims, defends programme as 'credible deterrence'

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday firmly rejected recent remarks by the United States intelligence chief suggesting Islamabad’s missile programme could pose a threat to the American homeland, calling the assertion “unfounded” and stressing that its capabilities remain strictly defensive.

In a detailed statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan’s strategic assets are “exclusively defensive in nature,” aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and preserving peace and stability in South Asia.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s missile programme operates within the framework of “credible minimum deterrence,” a doctrine designed primarily to maintain strategic balance with regional rival India.

According to the statement, Pakistan’s missile capabilities remain below intercontinental range and are not intended for power projection beyond the region.

The response follows testimony by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where she identified Pakistan among a group of countries developing advanced missile systems that could potentially threaten the United States.

She warned that Islamabad’s evolving programme might eventually include intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.

Islamabad rejected this assessment, urging what it described as a “more measured and fact-based approach” to evaluating South Asia’s strategic environment.

The Foreign Office cautioned against “selective narratives,” noting that India’s missile development -- including systems with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometres -- reflects ambitions that go beyond regional deterrence and raise broader international concerns.

Pakistan also reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with Washington, saying bilateral ties should be guided by mutual respect, non-discrimination, and factual accuracy.

It stressed that responsible discourse on strategic capabilities is essential to maintaining regional stability and avoiding misperceptions.

Analysts say the exchange highlights what they describe as Washington’s hypocrisy, accusing it of overlooking India’s missile programme while raising concerns about Pakistan.

Pakistan rejects US missile threat claims, defends programme as 'credible deterrence'

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