Pakistan has categorically rejected claims by the United States regarding its missile programme, terming the allegations “detached from reality” and reaffirming that its strategic capabilities are purely defensive.

The response came after US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told a Senate committee that Pakistan was allegedly developing intercontinental missile capabilities that could potentially reach American territory.

The US assessment also listed Russia, China, North Korea and Iran among key security concerns.

In an official statement issued from Islamabad, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Tahir Andrabi, said Pakistan “categorically rejects” the assertion by a US official, stressing that the country’s missile capabilities do not pose a threat to any state.

“It is emphasised that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are exclusively defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in South Asia,” the statement said.

The spokesperson clarified that Pakistan’s missile programme remains well below intercontinental range and is firmly rooted in the doctrine of “credible minimum deterrence,” particularly in the context of regional security dynamics.

Highlighting regional comparisons, Pakistan pointed to India’s missile capabilities, stating that systems with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometres reflect ambitions beyond regional defence and raise concerns for both the neighbourhood and beyond.

The Foreign Office urged Washington to adopt a more measured and responsible approach, grounded in factual accuracy and an understanding of South Asia’s strategic realities.

“Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement with the United States, anchored in mutual respect, non-discrimination, and factual accuracy,” the statement added.

US officials, in their briefing, had also warned of evolving missile capabilities among several countries, noting that North Korea already possesses systems capable of reaching the US, while Iran’s capabilities have been impacted by recent military strikes.

Amid these claims, Pakistan reiterated that its defence programme is transparent, limited in scope, and solely intended to ensure regional peace, security, and stability.