ISLAMABAD: In response to recent reports of a gang in India being apprehended with radioactive material, Pakistan has voiced serious concerns regarding the safety and security of nuclear substances in its neighboring country.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Pakistan is deeply troubled by the recurring incidents involving theft and illegal sale of radioactive materials in India. The latest incident involves a gang found in possession of Californium, a highly radioactive and toxic substance valued at approximately $100 million.
This follows three previous thefts of Californium reported in 2021 and a recent case where five individuals were caught with a radioactive device stolen from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Dehradun.
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Baloch highlighted that these frequent incidents raise significant concerns about the efficacy of New Delhi’s measures to secure nuclear and radioactive materials. She also pointed out the potential existence of a black market for such sensitive and dual-use materials within India.
The spokesperson urged the international community to seek a thorough explanation from Indian authorities regarding how a sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) like Californium came into the possession of the arrested individuals.
Baloch emphasized the danger posed by such materials falling into the wrong hands and reiterated Pakistan’s call for a comprehensive investigation and stronger preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
