The International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA reports have dismissed Indian media allegations of radiation leakage or any nuclear accident in Pakistan. In an interview with BBC Urdu on Thursday, the international nuclear watchdog confirmed that “no leakage of radiation or incident has been identified at any nuclear installation in Pakistan.”
The explanation follows a spate of unsubstantiated reports by Indian media claiming the Indian Air Force had hit Pakistan’s Kirana Hills, which were said to house a nuclear arsenal cache. The IAEA rejection comes amidst increased tensions between the two nuclear-powered neighbours.
India Backpedals, Sarcasm and Denials
Responding to questions during a press conference, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti replied sarcastically, “Thank you for telling us that there is a nuclear plant there—we didn’t know,” claiming that no attack on Kirana Hills had occurred. The Indian Air Force also officially denied attacking any nuclear facility.
In spite of denials, the furore has increased suspicion. Just last week, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had made inflammatory statements calling on the IAEA to take over Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile, labelling the nation “irresponsible and rogue.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly condemned Singh’s comments as “provocative, misleading, and indicative of India’s increasing frustration.” The officials stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear programme is secure, professionally operated, and not dependent on threats or blackmail for deterrence.
“These comments demonstrate a complete misapprehension about the role of the IAEA,” said the Foreign Office spokesman, adding that it referenced established instances of nuclear mismanagement in India to challenge Pakistan’s own record.
Ceasefire Sticks, But Threats Remain
This comes as both countries mutually agreed to prolong a tenuous ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) until Sunday, May 18. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the Senate that this lull provides an opportunity for fresh dialogue.
But Pakistan’s military is still wary. DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry cautioned that any fresh fighting could escalate into disastrous war. “If India believes there is room for limited war, it is in fact making room for mutual destruction,” he said to Sky News.
While the IAEA’s conclusions render rumours a moot point, all eyes now are on whether or not both countries can keep calm—or if the cycle of fresh rhetoric will bring the region back to the precipice.
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