Pakistan notes that US claims about Pakistani development of long-range ballistic missiles are “baseless” and “lacking rationality.”
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Saturday described as baseless and “lacking rationality” claims by a senior US official that its missile program could pose a threat to the United States.
US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said earlier in the week that Pakistan's development of long-range ballistic missiles makes it an “emerging threat.”
Finer's comments, which came a day after Washington announced a new round of sanctions related to the ballistic missile program, underscored the deterioration of once-close ties between Washington and Islamabad since the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021.
Responding to Finer's remarks, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the perception of an alleged threat is “unfortunate.”
“These allegations lack foundation, rationality and a sense of history,” the ministry added in a statement.
Likewise, he indicated that their strategic capabilities only seek to defend their sovereignty and maintain regional stability, and that they should not be perceived as a threat to any country.
He also highlighted Pakistan's long history of cooperation with the United States, especially in counterterrorism, and reiterated its commitment to engage constructively on all issues, including security and stability.
regional.