Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Friday rejected India’s attempt to link US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on nuclear testing with 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 External Affairs, Pakistan responded to a media question seeking its interpretation of India’s reaction to President Trump’s comments and whether Islamabad was planning to raise the matter with Washington.
“India clearly distorts the facts and misrepresents the statements 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 stance, the spokesperson emphasized that Islamabad’s last nuclear tests were carried out in May 1998 and its position on nuclear tests remains well-established and consistent.
“Pakistan has been supporting United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for a complete ban on nuclear testing,” the statement said.
“On the contrary, India’s abstentions on these resolutions reflect its ambiguous and questionable intentions regarding future nuclear tests,” he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined that Pakistan’s nuclear program operates under a strong 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 aimed at diverting attention from its own irresponsible conduct,” the statement said.
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern about India’s record on nuclear security, pointing to numerous incidents of theft and illicit trafficking of sensitive nuclear material in recent decades.
“Just last year, radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), along with the highly radioactive substance californium, valued at more than $100 million, was found for sale in India,” the spokesperson said.
These 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 gaps, which represent a serious threat to regional and global security,” the statement concluded.
