Islamabad, 15 May 2025: Pakistan has firmly condemned the recent statements made by India’s Defence Minister regarding Pakistan’s nuclear program during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). In an official press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the remarks as “irresponsible” and reflective of “insecurity and frustration” over Pakistan’s credible and effective deterrence capabilities.
The statement asserted that Pakistan’s conventional military strength alone is sufficient to deter any aggression from India, without relying on inflammatory or escalatory rhetoric. It dismissed India’s nuclear narrative as a form of “self-imposed nuclear blackmail,” highlighting the contrast between India’s provocative posture and Pakistan’s responsible approach to defence and regional stability.
The Foreign Office also criticised the Indian Defence Minister’s comments for showing a clear lack of understanding of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s role and mandate. Rather than casting doubt on Pakistan’s nuclear credentials, the statement argued, the IAEA and the international community should be more concerned about India’s troubling record of nuclear material mishandling and security lapses.
The Ministry pointed to several alarming incidents in India involving the theft and illegal trafficking of radioactive substances. Notably, in 2024, a radioactive device believed to be stolen from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was recovered from a group of five individuals in Dehradun. In a separate case, a criminal gang was caught in possession of Californium, a highly toxic and radioactive element valued at over US$ 100 million. Additionally, three separate incidents of Californium theft were reported in 2021, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of India’s nuclear security framework.
These repeated breaches, according to Pakistan, suggest the existence of a black market for nuclear and dual-use materials within India, a situation that poses serious risks not only to South Asia but to global nuclear safety.
Pakistan has called for an independent and thorough investigation into these incidents and urged India to take immediate steps to strengthen the security of its nuclear assets. The statement concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to global nuclear norms and responsible stewardship, while urging India to focus on internal accountability rather than indulging in reckless rhetoric.
