WASHINGTON: Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has identified Pakistan among countries posing a growing strategic concern, citing its evolving long-range missile capabilities in the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment presented before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
The report named Pakistan alongside China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as states developing advanced missile delivery systems capable of carrying nuclear and conventional payloads.
Concerns over long-range capabilities
Gabbard said Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme could potentially include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), warning that such systems might bring the US homeland within range.
She added that global missile inventories are expected to rise significantly, with projections suggesting they could exceed 16,000 by 2035, compared to more than 3,000 at present.
Pakistan rejects claims
Responding to the assessment, former ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani rejected the suggestion that Pakistan poses a direct threat to the United States.
He said Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is India-centric and based on deterrence, not global projection of power, stressing that the country’s strategic posture is shaped by regional security considerations.
Analysts question assessment
Turkish analyst Shaqeq-ud-Din also questioned the report, arguing that Pakistan does not currently possess ICBMs and raising concerns about India’s expanding missile capabilities.
South Asia remains a concern
The report highlighted India-Pakistan relations as a persistent risk for nuclear escalation, citing past conflicts and recent tensions.
It noted that while neither country seeks open conflict, conditions remain for non-state actors to trigger crises.
Border tensions with Afghanistan
The assessment also pointed to strained ties between Pakistan and Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, with intermittent cross-border clashes and concerns over militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
The report said Pakistan has urged the Taliban to sever links with anti-Pakistan militant networks, while the Afghan side has denied harbouring such elements.