Gabbard’s missile claim ‘not grounded in strategic reality’: Ex-foreign minister

Former foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Thursday said US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s assertion at the Senate hearing that the US homeland is within range of Pakistan’s nuclear and other missiles is not grounded in strategic reality.

Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is India specific aimed at maintaining credible deterrence in South Asia and not projecting power globally, Jilani maintained.

The development comes a day after the United States has identified Pakistan among five countries posing significant security concerns, with its intelligence chief warning that Islamabad is allegedly developing missile capabilities that could potentially reach American territory.

Speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard said the US intelligence community assesses that Pakistan, alongside Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, is advancing a range of missile delivery systems with both conventional and nuclear payload potential.

She told lawmakers that these countries are pursuing “novel, advanced, or traditional missile systems” that could place the US homeland within range.

The assessment included allegations that Pakistan was working on intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities, although no further technical details were publicly disclosed.

US officials described China and Russia as the most immediate and direct challenges, citing their development of advanced defence systems that could undermine American security. China was also highlighted as a leading competitor in artificial intelligence, intensifying strategic rivalry.