ISLAMABAD: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear facilities, rejecting Indian allegations and defusing fears of any radiation leak following recent cross-border hostilities.
In an official statement, the Vienna-based UN nuclear watchdog said that all of Pakistan’s nuclear installations remained secure during the recent Indian missile strikes and that there had been no radiation release or structural damage. The clarification effectively counters what Pakistani officials have described as “false propaganda” by New Delhi aimed at undermining Pakistan’s nuclear credibility.
The controversy began after India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for Pakistan’s nuclear weapons to be brought under IAEA supervision, claiming they were in the hands of a “rogue nation.” His remarks came days after the two nuclear-armed neighbours ended their worst military escalation in nearly three decades.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office swiftly condemned the statement, calling it “irresponsible, provocative, and politically motivated.” It said the remarks reflected India’s frustration following Pakistan’s “effective conventional response” during the conflict.
According to Pakistani officials, during the Pakistan Army’s retaliatory operation ‘Bunyan Al Marsous,’ key Indian military assets — including BrahMos missile bases and the S-400 missile defence system — were successfully targeted. Additionally, Pakistan claimed its air force downed six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, during India’s Operation ‘Sindoor.’
Facing growing domestic criticism over the military and political fallout, Indian officials reportedly floated unverified claims that Pakistan’s nuclear sites had been compromised — claims now officially denied by the IAEA.
“The IAEA’s confirmation has exposed India’s baseless narrative and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to nuclear safety and security,” a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.
Tensions between India and Pakistan flared last week after India launched airstrikes it said targeted “terrorist camps” inside Pakistan. Islamabad denied the accusations and retaliated, with both countries engaging in missile and drone strikes before agreeing to a truce last Saturday.
Analysts had warned of the risks of nuclear miscalculation as military activity escalated. Pakistan, which maintains a “first-use” nuclear policy, had briefly signalled a high-level review of its strategic deterrence posture. However, officials later clarified that no such meeting was scheduled.
The IAEA, which monitors nuclear programmes to ensure they remain peaceful, oversees several Indian civilian nuclear facilities under a 2008 agreement. It has reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear assets are subject to stringent safety protocols and remain under full sovereign control.
The latest standoff has once again spotlighted the volatility of South Asia’s nuclear environment, where decades-old hostility and recurring flare-ups continue to fuel global concern.
