Is Pakistan building ICBMs? Non-proliferation experts dispute US warning

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Tom HussainMarch 20, 2026 at 03:24 AM

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A US intelligence assessment, presented by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, warned that Pakistan is researching and developing missile systems, including potential ICBMs, capable of striking the US homeland. This assessment places Pakistan among a group of countries prioritizing advanced missiles as threats. However, nuclear non-proliferation experts dispute this claim, suggesting Pakistan's defense program is focused on regional deterrence against India. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi rejected the US claims, asserting that their strategic capabilities are defensive and aimed at maintaining regional stability. He stated that Pakistan's missile program remains below intercontinental range and is based on a doctrine of credible minimum deterrence against India.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Director of National Intelligence 40% India 50% Iran 60% North Korea 60% China 60% Russia 60% Tahir Andrabi 60% Tulsi Gabbard ×270% United States ×680% Pakistan ×490%

Keywords

pakistan 90% icbms 90% missile delivery systems 70% nuclear non-proliferation 70% us intelligence assessment 60% regional deterrence 60% south asia 50% credible minimum deterrence 50% national sovereignty 40% missile defenses 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Pakistan

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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pakistan icbms missile delivery systems nuclear non-proliferation us intelligence assessment regional deterrence south asia credible minimum deterrence national sovereignty missile defenses

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