International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) debunks claims of the Indian media of a leak of nuclear radiation in Pakistan. In an interview with the international media outlet, the IAEA refuted the claims of nuclear misuse in Pakistan.
“No radiation leakage or incident has been detected at any nuclear site in Pakistan,” read the statement from the IAEA on Thursday.
The issue surfaced when Indian media claimed that the Indian Air Force had hit the nuclear stockpiles in Pakistan near Kirana Hills.
Amid the media speculation, the IAEA confirmed to the British broadcaster that “based on available data, no radiation leakage or incident has been detected at any nuclear site in Pakistan.” The Indian Air Force also denied striking any nuclear facility.
Read more: BJP Minister sparks outrage with remark on Colonel Sofia Qureshi
In a press briefing following Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes on India, the Air Chief Marshal AK Bharti was asked if India had hit the nuclear arms of Pakistan near Kirana Hills. “Thank you for informing us that there is a nuclear facility there—we didn’t know,” he said sarcastically, adding, “We did not target Kirana Hills, regardless of what is or isn’t there.”
Since the call for a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, earlier this week, both sides have been engaging in claims of inflicting hefty damages to the other side.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the IAEA to take control of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
“Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation?” Singh asked while addressing soldiers in Srinagar, the capital of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “I believe that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the IAEA.”
Pakistan has strongly condemned the statements from the Indian Defence Minister. The Foreign Office of Pakistan called the remarks “provocative”. The Foreign Office strongly condemned the Indian Defence Minister’s comments, labelling them “irresponsible” and reflective of India’s “frustration and insecurity.”