ISLAMABAD: The Trump administration has formally retracted elements of a recent US National Intelligence assessment regarding Pakistan’s missile programme, with the Defence Secretary stating it poses no threat to American interests.

The development marks a notable shift in Washington’s public position on Pakistan’s strategic capabilities.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement issued late Friday, dismissed earlier concerns raised by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Hegseth described Pakistan’s missile programme as regionally focused and not directed against the United States.

“Pakistan’s missile capabilities are designed for deterrence in its immediate neighbourhood and do not constitute a threat to the US homeland,” Hegseth said.

The retraction follows Gabbard’s March 2026 testimony to Congress, where she highlighted Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile development as potentially including systems capable of reaching the US. Pakistani officials had strongly rejected that characterisation at the time.

A senior Pakistani diplomatic source in Washington confirmed that formal communication regarding the policy adjustment was conveyed through established channels this week.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the clarification. “This reflects a realistic assessment grounded in facts rather than speculation,” a ministry spokesperson said.

Pakistan maintains one of South Asia’s most advanced missile arsenals, built primarily for credible minimum deterrence against India.

Key systems include the solid-fuel Shaheen-III medium-range ballistic missile with an estimated range of 2,750 kilometres, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads. The Shaheen-II offers 2,500 km range, while the Ghauri-II reaches up to 2,000 km.

Shorter-range systems such as the Nasr (Hatf-9) tactical missile, with 60-70 km range, and the Babur cruise missile series, extending up to 700 km in upgraded variants, complete the operational inventory.

The Ababeel missile, with MIRV capability, has a reported range of 2,200 km and remains under advanced development and testing.

According to estimates, Pakistan possesses approximately 170 nuclear warheads, deliverable through aircraft and various missile platforms.

Defence analysts note that Pakistan’s programme remains India-centric, with all current systems calibrated to cover targets across Indian territory.

The US intelligence community had previously flagged concerns over large-diameter solid rocket motor development, suggesting potential future expansion. However, the Trump administration’s latest position aligns more closely with assessments that full intercontinental capability remains several years to a decade away.

Pakistani military officials have consistently maintained that the programme serves purely defensive purposes and adheres to a policy of credible minimum deterrence.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has conducted multiple successful tests in recent years, demonstrating improved accuracy, mobility, and quick-reaction capabilities of the arsenal.

The policy shift comes amid broader US engagement with Pakistan on regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and economic matters.

Analysts in Islamabad view the retraction as a pragmatic move that could ease tensions and open avenues for renewed bilateral defence dialogue.

Market reactions in Pakistan remained stable, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange showing modest gains in defence-related sectors following the news.

Diplomatic sources indicate that the adjustment may facilitate discussions on technology transfer restrictions and export controls that have historically affected Pakistan’s conventional defence acquisitions.

Background to the episode traces back to evolving US assessments throughout 2025-2026, which had raised questions about Pakistan’s long-term missile ambitions beyond South Asia.

Pakistan has repeatedly clarified that its strategic posture does not target extra-regional powers and remains strictly defensive.

The development has drawn measured responses from regional capitals. Indian officials declined immediate comment, while Chinese diplomatic sources described it as a positive step towards reducing unnecessary escalation in assessments.

Within Pakistan, strategic community circles have welcomed the US move as recognition of ground realities rather than threat inflation.

The episode highlights the complex interplay between intelligence assessments, policy priorities, and diplomatic signalling in US-Pakistan relations.

As the Trump administration focuses on great power competition elsewhere, recalibrating positions on secondary strategic programmes appears to be gaining traction.

Future implications remain subject to ongoing developments in South Asian security dynamics and broader US foreign policy adjustments.

Pakistani officials have indicated readiness for technical-level engagements with US counterparts to further clarify capabilities and intentions where mutual interests align.

The coming months may see additional statements from both sides as bilateral channels are activated on this and related strategic issues.