Former Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, stated that Pakistan should target Indian cities – specifically Recent Delhi and Mumbai – as a “default move” if the country were to come under attack from the United States.
Provocative Statement and US Concerns
Basit made these remarks during a discussion on a Pakistani television channel, responding to statements made by US National Intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard had informed the Senate intelligence committee that Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program could potentially pose a threat to the US homeland.
Basit asserted that if attacked by the US, Pakistan’s missiles cannot reach American targets, and India would be the alternative. He stated, “If somebody casts an evil eye on us, we will attack Mumbai and New Delhi in India without even thinking twice. We will see whatever happens later.” He further claimed Pakistan’s deterrence is “India-specific.”
Official Responses
Following Basit’s statement, BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha criticized the remarks, suggesting Pakistan remained “rattled by strikes during Operation Sindoor.” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesman Tahir Andrabi, rejected Gabbard’s assessment of Pakistan’s missile capabilities, maintaining they are “exclusively defensive” and intended to ensure national sovereignty and regional stability.
Gabbard had presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment, noting Pakistan is among nations “researching and developing an array of novel advanced or traditional missile delivery systems.” Pakistan’s Shaheen-3 missile has a range of 2,750 km, but is not classified as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which requires a range exceeding 5,500 km. The distance between the US and Pakistan is over 11,200 km.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Abdul Basit say about a potential US attack on Pakistan?
Abdul Basit stated that if the US were to attack Pakistan, Pakistan should target Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai as its “default move.”
What was Tulsi Gabbard’s assessment of Pakistan’s missile capabilities?
Tulsi Gabbard stated that Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program could develop into a threat for the US homeland.
How did Pakistan respond to Gabbard’s assessment?
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Gabbard’s assertion, stating its strategic capabilities are “exclusively defensive” and aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining peace in South Asia.
Given these escalating tensions and statements, what impact might these developments have on regional stability and diplomatic efforts in the coming months?
