Pakistan’s Foreign Office Thursday strongly rejected recent remarks made by former US National Security Advisor John Bolton during an interview with Indian media, calling them regrettable and misplaced, particularly in the context of heightened tensions and India's own nuclear security vulnerabilities.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan has full confidence in the strength and integrity of its nuclear command and control system, adding that the country’s comprehensive nuclear security architecture meets the highest international standards.
“It is deeply regrettable that John Bolton’s statement follows inflammatory comments by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh,” the spokesperson said, noting that Singh is affiliated with a Hindu extremist organization and has a history of issuing aggressive and irresponsible statements against Pakistan.
Shafqat Ali Khan warned that the international community should be more concerned about India’s nuclear weapons being in the hands of individuals like Rajnath Singh, who he described as harboring a strong bias against Pakistan and Muslims, and suffering from a dangerous delusion of militaristic bravado.
The Foreign Office further highlighted growing extremism in India’s political and societal landscape, particularly within media and government institutions, as a serious cause for global concern when it comes to nuclear security.
Referring to ongoing reports of a nuclear black market in India and repeated incidents of theft and illegal smuggling of sensitive nuclear materials, the spokesperson said these events expose deep flaws in India’s nuclear safety protocols.
“Rather than parroting narratives that fuel regional instability, responsible international voices should focus on the real risks posed by India’s reckless leadership and the dangerous fusion of nuclear capability with religious extremism,” Shafqat Ali Khan concluded.