Islamabad: Pakistan has voiced serious concerns regarding repeated incidents of theft and illicit trading of nuclear and radioactive materials in India, as highlighted by the recent arrest of a gang found with highly radioactive Californium. This issue was addressed by Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a media briefing.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Spokesperson Baloch detailed several incidents, including the discovery last month of five individuals in Dehradun who possessed a radioactive device reportedly stolen from India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Center. She noted that these events underscore significant lapses in the security protocols for nuclear materials in India and hinted at the potential existence of a black market for such sensitive substances within the country.

Baloch emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the routine mishandling of dangerous materials like Californium, which has dual-use capabilities and high toxicity, poses a significant threat. She urged the international community to demand comprehensive disclosures from Indian authorities regarding these security breaches. Furthermore, Pakistan is calling for a thorough investigation into these incidents and for India to take necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.