Pakistan Firmly Rejects US Allegations of Nuclear Threat
On Friday, Pakistan issued a strong rebuttal to recent claims by United States officials that its nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities pose a significant threat to American security. In its response, Islamabad pointedly highlighted India's military developments as a key context for its own defensive posture.
Defensive Deterrence Against India Emphasized
A senior Pakistani foreign ministry official, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, categorically rejected assertions made by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. Andrabi stated, "Pakistan categorically rejects the recent assertion by a US official alleging a potential threat from Pakistan's missile capabilities." He elaborated that the country's nuclear program is "exclusively defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in South Asia."
Andrabi further emphasized that Pakistan's missile initiatives are firmly rooted in a doctrine of credible minimum deterrence specifically vis-à-vis India. "Its missile programme, which remains well below intercontinental range, is firmly rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence vis-à-vis India," he explained. This stance underscores Pakistan's long-standing position that its nuclear assets are intended solely as a counterbalance to regional threats, particularly from its nuclear-armed neighbor.
Contrast with India's Missile Development
In a pointed comparison, Andrabi contrasted Pakistan's restrained capabilities with India's expanding missile program. He noted, "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." This remark highlights Pakistan's concerns over India's strategic ambitions, which it views as destabilizing for the broader region.
Rejection of Israeli Envoy's Comments
Additionally, the Pakistani government dismissed comments made by Israeli envoy to New Delhi, Reuven Azar, who described Pakistan as a "rogue state." This dismissal forms part of Islamabad's broader effort to counter international perceptions that question its nuclear intentions and regional role.
Background: US Intelligence Assessment
The controversy stems from statements by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, who identified Pakistan among nations posing the greatest nuclear threat to the United States. In her assessment, she listed Pakistan alongside Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea, noting that these countries are actively developing new missile delivery systems with both nuclear and conventional warheads that could target US territory.
Gabbard remarked, "The intelligence community assesses that Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan have been researching and developing an array of novel, advanced, or traditional missile delivery systems, with nuclear and conventional payloads, that put our homeland within range." She also highlighted North Korea's growing partnerships with Russia and China and referenced the US destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment program in June last year, with no observed rebuilding efforts since.
This exchange underscores ongoing tensions in global nuclear diplomacy, with Pakistan positioning itself as a responsible nuclear state focused on regional stability, while challenging external critiques and drawing attention to India's military advancements.
