The US government adopted a cautious approach regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme on Thursday, following remarks from a senior White House official suggesting that Pakistan could develop capabilities to “strike targets in the United States.”

At a press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder avoided direct criticism when questioned about US sanctions imposed on Pakistan’s state-run missile development agency and three private vendors.

Ryder highlighted the value of Pakistan as a regional partner, noting past cooperation on counterterrorism efforts. He underscored the Pentagon’s long-standing relationship with the Pakistani military.

“We value Pakistan as a partner in the region and have worked closely with Pakistan on counterterrorism efforts in the past,” he said.

When pressed for further comments on Pakistan’s missile advancements or the sanctions, Ryder redirected such inquiries to other US agencies, opting not to elaborate on the matter.

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On Thursday, a US official expressed worries about Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer highlighted that advancements in the technology could potentially allow Islamabad to target locations well beyond South Asia.

“It’s difficult for us to view Pakistan’s actions as anything but an emerging threat,” Finer said during a discussion at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The assessment follows recent sanctions imposed by the State Department on four Pakistani entities, which were accused of contributing to the country’s missile development efforts.