Retired Pakistani Diplomat Issues Threats Amid US Intelligence Report

Abdul Basit, a former Pakistani diplomat, has issued alarming threats towards India, stating that Pakistan would retaliate with missiles if the US were to strike. His comments come in the wake of a US intelligence report categorizing Pakistan as a significant nuclear threat. The report highlights Pakistan's evolving military capabilities and its role in regional instability. Basit's remarks follow India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hideouts in Pakistan. The situation raises concerns about the potential for escalating tensions in the region, particularly given Pakistan's history of supporting terrorist groups. This article delves into the implications of Basit's statements and the broader context of US-Pakistan relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 04:55 IST

Threatening Statements from Abdul Basit

Abdul Basit, a former senior Pakistani diplomat who held the position of High Commissioner to India from 2014 to 2017, has made alarming statements regarding potential military actions. He warned that if the United States were to strike Pakistan in the future, the country would retaliate by launching missiles towards India, specifically targeting cities like Mumbai and New Delhi, as their missile capabilities do not extend to US or Israeli locations. Basit's comments follow a recent US intelligence assessment that categorizes Pakistan alongside major powers like China as a significant nuclear threat to the US, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving Iran.

The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) presented by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard highlighted various concerns regarding Pakistan's military advancements, its influence on regional instability, and the ongoing threat of terrorism. The report not only identifies Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program as a potential threat to the US but also notes that Pakistan has been ranked as the most affected country by terrorism globally, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, with a score of 8.57. This marks the highest level of terrorism in Pakistan since 2013 and its first top ranking since 2011, as reported by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

In light of the US intelligence report, Basit expressed during an interview with a Pakistani channel, ABN News, that if the US were to attack Pakistan, they would retaliate against India without hesitation, regardless of whether US assets were within missile range. He emphasized that they would consider the consequences later. Basit further stated that if the situation escalated, they would have no choice but to target India with missiles.

These remarks come after India's Operation Sindoor last May, where Indian forces conducted precision strikes against terror hideouts in Pakistan, including in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, including 25 Indians.

Pakistan has faced ongoing international criticism for harboring terrorism and funding terror groups involved in anti-India activities. The country has been placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list multiple times for misusing global funds intended for public welfare to support terrorist organizations.

For decades, Pakistan has been linked to various terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), responsible for numerous attacks in India, such as the 1993 Mumbai bombings and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Basit's Response to US Intelligence Chief's Remarks

In response to Gabbard's comments regarding Pakistan's missile development as a threat to the US, Basit questioned the validity of the US intelligence report, asserting that Pakistan does not possess intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US. He reiterated that India's actions pose the primary threat to Pakistan.

Basit also commented on Gabbard's political standing, noting her strained relationship with US President Donald Trump, which may influence her statements regarding international threats.

US Concerns Over Pakistan's Missile Development

The US Intelligence Department's report outlines critical areas of concern regarding Pakistan's military capabilities and its role in regional instability. It highlights that Pakistan is actively developing advanced missile delivery systems, which could potentially include intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US.

Gabbard emphasized that the US's secure nuclear deterrent is essential for protecting the homeland against strategic threats, while countries like Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan are advancing their missile capabilities, which could pose risks to the US in the future.