Islamabad Reacts to Rajnath Singh’s Nuclear Comments
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan responded strongly on Thursday to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks about the need for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight on its nuclear weapons. The Pakistani government labeled these comments as "irresponsible," suggesting they stem from a place of "profound insecurity."
During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Singh expressed concerns over the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile and called for international monitoring. In response, Pakistan’s foreign office claimed that Singh’s views showed a lack of understanding of the IAEA’s role. They stressed their own capacity for effective defense and deterrence against India.
Additionally, Pakistan highlighted several instances of alleged radioactive material theft within India, questioning the country’s own nuclear security protocols. They referred to a 2023 incident involving stolen radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and mentioned past thefts of Californium, a highly radioactive substance, dating back to 2021.
This exchange adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between the two nations, signaling the complexities involved in discussions about nuclear safety and security.
