Pakistan responds to US statement on the ‘threat’ posed by its missile capabilities

A spokesperson for Pakistan has responded to allegations from the US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard that Pakistani missiles could pose a future threat to the US.

In a statement posted to X, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are exclusively defensive in nature” and “well below intercontinental range”.

Gabbard placed Pakistan alongside Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as countries developing nuclear capabilities which could “put our homeland within range” in statements to the Senate on Wednesday. 

However, Islamabad has responded that its missile programme is “firmly rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence vis-a-vis India” and that it “remains committed to constructive engagement” with the US.

The statement urged “a more measured and considered approach” from the US, one which promotes “stability across the region”.