Pakistan Defiant Against U.S. Missiles Accusations; Denies Threat to America’s Security
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has dismissed recent U.S. allegations that its ballistic missile program poses a threat to American security, labeling them "baseless" and "irational."
On Thursday, Jon Finer, the White House’s deputy national security advisor, claimed that Islamabad’s missile program raises "serious questions" about its intent. "Pakistan has been developing increasingly sophisticated rocket technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment enabling tests of much larger rocket motors," Finer said. "If this trend continues, Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets far beyond South Asia, including in the United States."
Finer’s comments came a day after Washington announced new sanctions against "four entities contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program."
Responding to media queries about Finer’s remarks and the new sanctions on Saturday, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, "The perception of a threat from Pakistan’s missile capabilities and delivery systems, as alleged by U.S. officials, is regrettable."
"These accusations are unfounded, lack rationality, and ignore historical context," she added.
Baloch underscored the longstanding positive relationship between Pakistan and the U.S., stating that such accusations are counterproductive to their cooperation. She voiced concern that recent U.S. accusations against a "major non-NATO ally" would not benefit their overall relationship, especially without evidence.
Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s non-hostile intent towards the U.S., highlighting the impact of America’s policies on the region and Pakistan’s sacrifices in maintaining bilateral ties.
