Pakistan slams Indian defence minister’s nuclear remarks as ‘irresponsible’

ISLAMABAD: Following the position taken by India against Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, the Foreign Office (FO) has strongly criticised the recent statements by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan described the comments as “irresponsible” and indicative of New Delhi’s frustration over its conventional military limitations. Khan issued a sharp rebuke, accusing India of engaging in “nuclear blackmail” after failing to establish military superiority through conventional means. He stressed that Pakistan’s existing conventional defense capabilities remain fully capable of deterring any aggression.

FO raised serious alarms about India’s nuclear security protocols, citing multiple concerning incidents. These included the 2023 theft of nuclear equipment from India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, the illegal smuggling of radioactive material worth USD10 million, and three separate reported cases of nuclear material theft in 2021. The spokesperson asserted these repeated breaches suggest the operation of an illicit nuclear marketplace within India and called upon the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct impartial investigations. The statement urged global stakeholders to hold India accountable for properly securing its nuclear facilities and materials.

India and Pakistan trade accusations of nuclear arsenal mismanagement

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, the Foreign Office spokesperson contrasted Pakistan’s restraint with India’s approach, stating, “We have never needed to resort to nuclear blackmail, unlike our neighbor.” The statement reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for constructive dialogue as the preferred mechanism for conflict resolution.

Similarly, the Foreign Office expressed support for ongoing international efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis, specifically acknowledging initiatives by the United States, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Pakistan’s official position emphasised support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. The spokesperson advocated for the easing of economic sanctions to facilitate reconstruction and economic recovery in Syria, while stressing that any lasting solution must reflect the will of the Syrian people and their legitimate leadership.