Pakistan denies India’s allegations, says last nuclear test was in 1998

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday confirmed that the country last held its nuclear tests in May 1998, rejecting India’s accusations over its nuclear record as baseless and misleading.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said India was “distorting facts and misrepresenting” remarks by US President Donald Trump, adding that “the US side has already clarified its position to the media.”

He stated that Pakistan’s stance on nuclear testing remains consistent and well-established, highlighting the country’s constant support for UN General Assembly resolutions calling for a complete ban on such testing. 

Andrabi contrasted this with India’s abstentions on similar resolutions, calling them “ambiguous and questionable.”

He further emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear programme is governed by a strong command and control structure, comprehensive export controls, and a faultless record of compliance with global non-proliferation standards.

Rejecting India’s disinformation on this crucial matter, Andrabi dismissed claims of Pakistan’s “secret or illegal nuclear activities” calling them “baseless and malicious,” arguing that they were intended to divert attention from India’s own nuclear safety gaps.

He mentioned multiple incidents of theft and illegal trafficking of nuclear material in India, calling them a severe regional and global concern. As recently as last year, radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), including Californium worth over $100 million, was reportedly found on sale within India.

“These recurring incidents point to a thriving nuclear black market for sensitive materials in India,” Andrabi warned, urging the international community to take “serious note of these alarming breaches” that threaten global security.

Pakistan’s statement serves as both a reassurance of its restraint on nuclear testing since 1998 and a question on India’s nuclear safety record, highlighting Islamabad’s established position as a responsible nuclear state.