Pak says its missile programme region-specific, defensive in nature

Islamabad (TIP): Pakistan on Thursday said that its missile programme was region-specific and exclusively defensive in nature, a day after US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard voiced concern about a potential threat from the country’s missile capabilities.
“Pakistan categorically rejects the recent assertion by a United States official alleging a potential threat from Pakistan’s missile capabilities,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in a statement.
He said Pakistan’s strategic capabilities were exclusively defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.
“Its missile programme, which remains well below intercontinental range, is firmly rooted in the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence vis-à-vis India,” he said.
“In contrast, 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,” he claimed.
He said that Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement with the United States, anchored in mutual respect, non-discrimination, and factual accuracy.
“We urge a more measured and considered approach that aligns with South Asia’s strategic imperatives and advances peace, security, and stability across the region,” he said.
Separately, responding to media queries regarding a video clip of the Israeli Ambassador to India circulating on social media, the spokesperson said that Pakistan “firmly rejects this baseless characterisation”.
He did not specify which clip he was referring to. Andrabi was perhaps referring to the Israeli diplomat’s remarks to a news channel in which he said that “there is one rogue state that already has nuclear weapons.” Andrabi added that the real record of aggression and rogue conduct is evident in the illegal occupation, the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and the indictment of Israeli leadership in international courts.
China welcomes temporary ceasefire between Pak, Afghanistan
China has welcomed a temporary pause in fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan while downplaying reports of its failure to enforce a ceasefire between the two neighbours.
China welcomes the temporary ceasefire agreement reached by Pakistan and Afghanistan during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here.
China appreciates the efforts made by relevant Islamic countries, Lin said, downplaying reports of Beijing’s failure to enforce a ceasefire between the two neighbours.
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a “temporary pause” in fighting in view of Eid-ul-Fitr and at the request of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Qatar. There was no mention of China’s mediation efforts by both sides.