The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday strongly dismissed recent remarks by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard regarding Pakistan’s missile program, calling the assertions inaccurate and misleading.
In an official statement, FO Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stressed that “Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are exclusively defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.”
Andrabi made the comments while addressing media queries concerning Gabbard’s statement, delivered during the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The US intelligence chief had listed Pakistan among countries posing a growing strategic concern, warning that Islamabad’s advancing long-range missile capabilities could potentially put the American homeland at risk.
Gabbard also highlighted Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea as nations actively developing missile delivery systems, including nuclear and conventional warheads, that could reach US territory. She specifically noted that Pakistan’s ballistic missile development “potentially could include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)” capable of striking the US.
Responding, the FO clarified that “Pakistan’s missile programme, which remains well below intercontinental range, is firmly rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence vis-à-vis India.” Andrabi contrasted Pakistan’s stance with India’s missile developments, stating, “India’s development of missile capabilities exceeding 12,000 kilometres reflects a trajectory that extends beyond regional security considerations and is certainly a cause of concern for the neighbourhood and beyond.”
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement with the US, grounded in mutual respect, factual accuracy, and non-discrimination. “We urge a more measured and considered approach that aligns with South Asia’s strategic imperatives and advances peace, security, and stability across the region,” he added.
