Pakistan has rejected concerns raised by a senior US official regarding its missile capabilities, describing the allegations as unfounded and counterproductive to bilateral ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability while reaffirming the defensive nature of its strategic programme.
The Foreign Office expressed disappointment over the statement made by the US official at a think tank, terming the alleged threat perception as devoid of rationality and historical context.
In a formal statement, the ministry noted that Pakistan and the United States have shared a positive relationship since 1954. It warned that baseless allegations against Pakistan, a major non-NATO ally, risk damaging this broad-ranging partnership, particularly in the absence of evidence.
The ministry reiterated that Pakistan’s missile programme is designed to safeguard its sovereignty and maintain peace in South Asia. It underscored the need for credible minimum deterrence to address evolving threats, asserting that Pakistan’s capabilities should not be misinterpreted as hostile toward any other nation, including the US.
The spokesperson also criticised the apparent inconsistency in US concerns, stating that the focus on Pakistan’s missile programme overlooks more significant capabilities in the region.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in sustaining the aftermath of US policies in the region, the statement emphasised that Pakistan has always sought to engage constructively with the US on security and stability. It stressed the importance of building on the legacy of cooperation between the two countries.
The Foreign Office maintained that Pakistan’s strategic programme is integral to its national defence, enjoying consensus across the political and social spectrum. It rejected any attempt to interfere with or undermine this capability under any pretext.
The statement concluded by urging a balanced approach to security in the region, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fostering constructive dialogue with the US.
Earlier a senior White House official on Thursday said nuclear-armed Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets outside of South Asia, including in the United States.
In his stunning revelation about the onetime close US partner, Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said Islamabad’s conduct raised “real questions” about the aims of its ballistic missile program.
The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities for their alleged involvement in advancing the country’s long-range missile programme.
“In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery,” read a statement issued by the State Department.
Pakistan condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on its National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities, calling the move “unfortunate and biased.”
