ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has warned the international community about the threat posed by Israel’s nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that the country remains outside global nuclear frameworks and poses a serious risk to regional and global peace.
In a strongly worded statement, Asif urged the world to be “wary and apprehensive” of Israel’s nuclear arsenal, noting that the country is not bound by any international nuclear non-proliferation agreements, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He further highlighted Israel’s refusal to comply with any international nuclear disciplines, contrasting it with Pakistan’s adherence to global nuclear agreements.
“As a signatory to all international nuclear conventions, Pakistan’s nuclear capability is solely for deterrence and national defense,” Asif stated, reinforcing Islamabad’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship. He stressed that Pakistan does not pursue hegemonic policies like those allegedly demonstrated by Israel.
Khawaja Asif also criticized the West for continuing to support Israel, describing the country as a “rogue state” whose actions could have disastrous consequences for the region. He urged global leaders to recognize the gravity of the situation and reassess their support for Israel, warning that this could lead to catastrophic regional instability.
As the Israel-Gaza conflict intensifies, Asif’s comments come amid growing fears of a broader regional war. Although Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, it is widely believed to have a sophisticated nuclear arsenal, with estimates suggesting around 80 to 90 warheads.
Unlike Iran, Israel is not a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Additional Protocol or the NPT, allowing its nuclear facilities to operate without international inspection.
Pakistan’s defense doctrine, according to Asif, remains rooted in the principles of minimum credible deterrence, restraint, and responsibility, a sharp contrast to Israel’s alleged nuclear posture.
