Pakistan defends nuclear safety after former US national security adviser warns of risks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Thursday it was fully confident in the safety and security of its nuclear weapons after former US National Security Adviser John Bolton expressed concern they could fall 'into the hands of terrorists or irresponsible commanders' in an interview with an Indian media outlet.
Bolton's remarks came days after Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh called for Pakistan's nuclear arsenal to be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, citing concerns about their safety.
Responding to a media query, foreign office spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan had a robust nuclear command and control system and a comprehensive security regime in place.
'It is ironic that John Bolton's remarks were prompted by a statement from Rajnath Singh, a leader affiliated with a Hindu extremist organization, known for repeatedly issuing threats of aggression against Pakistan,' he said.
'In reality, the international community should be more concerned about India's nuclear arsenal being controlled by individuals like Rajnath Singh, who harbor well-documented hostility toward Pakistan and Muslims, and exhibit dangerous delusions of grandeur,' he added.
Khan further warned of broader risks stemming from India's domestic political trends.
'The escalating radicalization of India's political landscape, media and segments of its society raises legitimate nuclear security concerns,' he said.
'These concerns are further exacerbated by the persistence of a nuclear black market in India, highlighting serious deficiencies in its nuclear security framework, as evidenced by recurring incidents of theft and illicit trafficking of sensitive nuclear materials.'
The renewed war of words between the two countries follows a sharp military escalation earlier this month.
The two nuclear-armed neighbors agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10, but diplomatic tensions have remained high, with both sides continuing to trade barbs over militant violence, water sharing and nuclear security.
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