Pakistan has strongly condemned remarks made by India’s Defence Minister concerning its nuclear arsenal during a speech in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Defence Minister’s comments reveal deep insecurity and frustration related to Pakistan’s effective defense capabilities against Indian aggression through conventional means.

A spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan possesses sufficient conventional military strength to deter India, without relying on the “nuclear blackmail” that New Delhi faces.

The statement also criticized the Defence Minister’s apparent ignorance of the responsibilities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It pointed out that the IAEA and the international community should be more concerned about the ongoing theft and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials in India.

Notably, last year, five individuals were arrested in Dehradun for possessing a radioactive device stolen from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Additionally, a group was found with Californium, a highly radioactive substance valued at $100 million. Three theft incidents involving Californium were also reported in 2021.

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The Ministry questioned the safety measures New Delhi has in place for its nuclear materials, suggesting a potential black market for sensitive materials within India.

Pakistan has called for a thorough investigation into these incidents and urged India to improve the safety and security of its nuclear facilities and arsenal.