Pakistan questions India’s nuclear security following Singh’s irresponsible remarks about Pakistan’s nuclear program.
Pakistan responded firmly to controversial remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which came just days after both countries agreed to a ceasefire amid rising tensions.
While global leaders sought to ease the strained relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, Singh’s comments risked derailing the peace process. Pakistan strongly condemned the statements, questioned the safety of its nuclear arsenal, and rejected calls to place it under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan described Singh’s remarks as “irresponsible,” attributing them to India’s insecurity and frustration over Pakistan’s strong conventional military deterrence.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s conventional forces are sufficient to deter any Indian aggression, accusing New Delhi of resorting to “nuclear blackmail” to cover its strategic weaknesses.
Khan criticized Singh’s suggestion regarding IAEA supervision, stating it demonstrated a “complete misunderstanding” of the agency’s role as a UN specialized body. He argued that India’s own nuclear security record warrants international scrutiny.
To substantiate Pakistan’s stance, officials highlighted several alarming incidents in India involving unauthorized possession and trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.
Notably, at least three thefts of Californium were reported in India during 2021 alone, indicating a possible black market for sensitive nuclear materials, Khan warned.
Pakistan urged the international community and the IAEA to take these security breaches seriously, calling for a thorough investigation and demanding India implement stringent safeguards for its nuclear facilities and materials.
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