Pakistan’s former caretaker foreign minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, responded to recent comments by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. He dismissed her claims regarding Pakistan’s missile capabilities as being out of touch with reality.
In a press conference on Thursday, Jilani said that Gabbard’s claims that Pakistan is able to strike American soil are not in line with Pakistan’s strategic stance.
However, Gabbard’s comments were delivered during the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the US Senate Intelligence Committee. They have added to growing concerns in Washington about expanding global missile capabilities. She listed Pakistan among several countries developing advanced missile systems. These systems could potentially reach US territory.
Pakistan’s stance rooted in regional deterrence
Jilani emphasized that the focus of Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs continues to be on South Asia. He made particular reference to maintaining deterrence with India.
In sharp contrast, US officials have increasingly highlighted the possibility of a long-term threat from Pakistan’s continued missile development. Gabbard pointed out that there is a possibility Pakistan could develop intercontinental ballistic missiles. These could extend beyond South Asia.
She also noted that several countries are developing missile systems. This could create potential risks in the next ten years.
Rising tensions amid sanctions and past concerns
Meanwhile, analysts view this exchange as part of a wider trend in US foreign policy. The issues were also raised in late 2024. In this context, a senior official in the White House voiced his concerns regarding Pakistan’s long-range missiles.
Around the same period, the US also sanctioned entities suspected of being connected to the Pakistani missile program.
However, many believe these reports frequently fail to consider the regional perspective of Pakistan’s defense strategy. As international tensions escalate, statements like these may only serve to create greater animosity between the two nations.
