ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch held here on Tuesday (13th August, 2024) that Pakistan was profoundly concerned at the reports apropos illicit sales of nuclear material in India.

According to her in the latest incident, a gang of individuals were found in illegal possession of Californium (a highly radioactive substance) worth $100 million.

FO spokesperson further stated that three incidents of theft of Californium were also reported in 2021.

In the month of July, 2024, five individuals with a radioactive device reportedly stolen from Bhabha Atomic Research Center were also found from Dehradun.

FO maintains that such incidents call into question the measures taken by Indian security forces for the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive material:“These incidents also suggest the existence of a black market for sensitive, dual use materials inside India.

“International community seeks an earnest disclosure from the Indian authorities as to how a sealed Radioactive Source material, like Californium, was in the possession of the apprehended individuals.

“It is dangerous for such sensitive material in India to be routinely found in the wrong hands.

“Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation of these incidents and for adequate measures to prevent their recurrence.”

Newspakistan.tv