Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Friday rejected India’s attempt to link US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on nuclear testing to allegations about Islamabad’s nuclear record, accusing New Delhi of “distorting facts” and engaging in a “malicious disinformation campaign”.
In a detailed statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan responded to a media query seeking its interpretation of India’s reaction to President Trump’s remarks and whether Islamabad was considering raising the issue with Washington.
“India is clearly distorting facts and misrepresenting the remarks of US President Donald Trump. The US side has already clarified its position to the media regarding the President’s statements,” the spokesperson said.
Clarifying Pakistan’s position, the spokesperson pointed out that Islamabad’s last nuclear tests took place in May 1998 and its position on nuclear testing remains well established and consistent.
“Pakistan supports the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for a comprehensive ban on nuclear tests,” the statement said.
“On the other hand, India’s abstentions on these resolutions reflect its ambiguous and questionable intentions on future nuclear tests,” he adds.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Pakistan’s nuclear program operates under a robust command and control structure, with comprehensive export controls and an impeccable record of compliance with the global non-proliferation regime.
“Allegations of ‘clandestine or illegal nuclear activities’ are baseless, malicious and part of India’s disinformation campaign to distract from its own irresponsible conduct,” the statement said.
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern over India’s record on nuclear safety and security, highlighting numerous incidents of theft and illicit trafficking of sensitive nuclear materials over the past decades.
“Just last year, radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), as well as the highly radioactive substance Californium — valued at over $100 million — were found for sale in India,” the spokesperson said.
Such recurring incidents, Pakistan warned, suggest the existence of a “thriving nuclear black market” for sensitive and dual-use materials in India.
“The international community must take serious note of these alarming shortcomings, which pose a serious threat to regional and global security,” the statement concluded.
