Islamabad :The Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra called the alleged threat perception raised by the US official as unfortunate, labeling the claims regarding Pakistan’s missile capabilities as baseless and devoid of rationality. The spokesperson emphasized that such allegations fail to consider the historical context and the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
Since 1954, Pakistan and the US have enjoyed a positive and broad-ranging relationship. However, the recent spate of allegations directed towards Pakistan, a major non-NATO ally, was deemed unhelpful for bilateral relations, especially in the absence of any evidence. The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan has never had any ill-intention towards the US, a position that remains consistent despite the challenges Pakistan continues to face due to US policies in the region.
The Ministry also expressed regret over the US official’s comparison of Pakistan with countries in adversarial relationships with the US, while overlooking the much larger missile capabilities of Pakistan’s eastern neighbor. It was stressed that Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are meant solely to defend its sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in South Asia, not to pose a threat to any other country.
Concluding, the spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its defense and strategic program, which is crucial for maintaining credible deterrence in the region. Pakistan, with complete political and social consensus, continues to seek constructive engagement with the US, aiming for a balanced approach to regional security and stability.
