Pakistan on Thursday firmly rejected assertions attributed to the United States Director of National Intelligence regarding its missile capabilities, maintaining that its strategic programme is strictly defensive and rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, while reiterating its commitment to regional stability and constructive engagement with Washington.
In an official statement issued on March 19, 2026, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi dismissed the claims as unfounded, asserting that Pakistan’s nuclear and missile capabilities are “exclusively defensive in nature.” He underscored that the country’s strategic posture is designed solely to safeguard national sovereignty and preserve peace in South Asia.
Clarifying the scope of Pakistan’s missile programme, the spokesperson stated that its range remains below intercontinental capability and is calibrated in line with regional security requirements. He emphasized that Pakistan’s deterrence framework is primarily shaped by prevailing security dynamics in South Asia, particularly in relation to India, and adheres to the principle of maintaining a credible minimum deterrent without engaging in an arms race.
The Foreign Office also expressed concern over India’s advancing missile capabilities, noting that reported developments exceeding ranges of 12,000 kilometres extend beyond the confines of regional deterrence. The statement suggested that such capabilities could have implications for broader international stability, warranting greater scrutiny and a balanced assessment of strategic developments in the region.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, the spokesperson called for a fact-based and objective approach in evaluating security concerns, urging the international community to avoid selective interpretations that could undermine regional equilibrium. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to engaging constructively with the United States on issues of mutual interest, with a focus on promoting peace, security, and stability in South Asia.
