FO says India distorting Trump's N-remarks
Foreign Office. Photo: File
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 Foreign Affairs, Pakistan responded to a media question seeking its interpretation of India's reaction to President Trump's remarks and whether Islamabad planned to raise the matter 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 statements by the President," the spokesperson said.
Clarifying Pakistan's stance, the spokesperson emphasised that Islamabad's last nuclear tests were conducted in May 1998, and that its position on nuclear testing remains well-established and consistent.
"Pakistan has been supporting United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for a comprehensive ban on nuclear testing," the statement noted.
"In contrast, India's abstentions on these resolutions reflect its ambiguous and questionable intentions on future nuclear testing," it added.
The Foreign Office underscored 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 aimed at diverting attention from its own irresponsible conduct," the statement asserted.
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern over India's record on nuclear safety and security, pointing to numerous incidents of theft and illicit trafficking of sensitive nuclear material over the past several decades.
"As recently as last year, radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), along with the highly radioactive substance Californium — valued at over USD 100 million — was found on 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 gaps, which pose a grave threat to both regional and global security," the statement concluded.