United Nations (TDI): Pakistan has urged the UN Security Council to thoroughly investigate the “recurring” incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and radioactive materials in India.
Police reportedly arrested three smugglers in the western Gopalganj district of Bihar, recently, with a rare Californium stone which is highly radioactive.
Permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram, was speaking at a committee, established by the 15-member Council pursuant to its resolution 1540 that requires UN member states to take specific steps to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
According to APP he stressed that such incidents indicates existence of black market for the material.
“The Security Council should be deeply concerned at the recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in our Eastern neighbour,”, App quoted him saying as.
Read More: US, UK, Australia Sign Nuclear Transfer Deal
He said that in August, a group was found in illegal possession of a large quantity of highly radioactive and toxic substance Californium, worth $ 100 million, adding that three incidents of theft of Californium were reported in India in 2021 alone.
However, the Pakistani envoy said that rights of States to peaceful use of dual-use technologies must be safeguarded.
UN resolution 1540, the Security Council demands that all States refrain from providing any form of support to non-state actors as far as nuclear, chemical and biological weapons are concerned.
Also Read:Pakistan Demands Probe into Theft, Sale of Radioactive Materials in India
Ambassador Akram told the committee that Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear weapons state, had participated actively, in the formulation and negotiation
Pakistan, he said, had submitted six reports, including a comprehensive matrix; appointed the National Point of Contact; adopted a voluntary National Action Plan; offered technical assistance to several countries to help implement the 1540 resolution; and promoted regional cooperation for effective implementation of the resolution, including a “Regional Seminar on implementation of 1540” to share best practices and national experiences.
