Pakistan Vows Not to Restart Nuclear Tests, Responding to Trump’s Claim
A Pakistani official has confirmed that the country will not initiate nuclear tests, responding directly to comments made by President Trump. In an interview with CBS News, Trump suggested that Pakistan has been testing nuclear weapons alongside countries like Russia and China.
Pakistan’s Stand on Nuclear Testing
The senior Pakistani security official stated, “Pakistan was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume nuclear tests.” This assurance reiterates Pakistan’s commitment to its nuclear policy.
Context of President Trump’s Claims
Trump’s remarks came during a discussion with CBS News correspondent Norah O’Donnell, where he also mentioned North Korea as another country involved in recent nuclear activities. He implied that the U.S. would respond by conducting its own tests, a stance reflecting heightened tensions in global nuclear policy.
Nuclear Testing History
- Pakistan last conducted nuclear tests in 1998.
- China’s most recent nuclear test occurred in 1996.
- North Korea is the only nation known to have performed nuclear detonations since the 1990s.
Despite not being a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), Pakistan maintains a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing. The U.S. and nearly 180 nations have signed the CTBT, which prohibits all atomic test explosions. Notably, some nuclear-armed states, including the U.S. and Russia, have not ratified the treaty.
International Reactions
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its support for the treaty’s objectives and confirmed its position against resuming nuclear testing in South Asia. In response to Trump’s assertions, China also reaffirmed its commitment to halting nuclear tests. Spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China follows a self-defense nuclear strategy and has consistently upheld its commitment to suspending nuclear testing.
As of now, there has been no official commentary from Moscow regarding Trump’s claim about Russia’s nuclear activities.
Clarification on U.S. Nuclear Testing Plans
President Trump has not clarified whether the planned U.S. military nuclear tests involve actual explosive detonations or if they pertain only to system tests. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that current discussions focus on “non-critical explosions,” which test components of nuclear weapons without triggering nuclear blasts.
As global eyes remain on nuclear policies, Pakistan’s vow not to restart nuclear tests highlights its cautious approach amid rising tensions and varying international positions on nuclear armament.
