Post by : Rameen Ariff

Pakistan has categorically dismissed recent remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting the country has been carrying out covert nuclear detonations, saying it "was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume them."

A senior Pakistani security official told reporters that Islamabad continues to uphold a "unilateral moratorium" on explosive nuclear testing. Although Pakistan has not ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the official said the country remains committed to responsible nuclear stewardship and has no intention of restarting tests.

In an interview, Mr. Trump claimed a number of powers — naming Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan — had continued underground testing while the United States has avoided such activity for more than 30 years. He argued that the US might need to resume tests in response to those developments.

Pakistan last carried out nuclear detonations in 1998. The Foreign Ministry reiterated Islamabad's alignment with the objectives of the CTBT and restated its pledge not to be the first to break the moratorium in South Asia.

China also rejected the US president's assertions, restating its adherence to a "self-defensive nuclear strategy" and urging respect for global non-proliferation norms. Beijing called for constructive dialogue and cautioned against unfounded accusations.

To date, North Korea remains the only country to have conducted atomic blasts since the 1990s. Both Russia and China have denied conducting secret explosive tests, and US defence officials have reported no evidence of recent nuclear detonations by those states.

The exchange comes as President Trump advocates resuming American nuclear testing to match other powers, a move that critics warn could unsettle strategic balances and heighten tensions in South Asia. Pakistan's firm rebuttal underscores its stated commitment to restraint and regional stability.

#Global #News, #World