1. Pakistan denies Indian claims, stating the seized Karachi-bound ship carried commercial goods, not nuclear machinery.
2. The Pakistan Foreign Office criticized the reports of seizure, labeling them as misrepresentation and condemning the act as unjustified.
3. The statement underscores Pakistan’s stance, rejecting Indian allegations and asserting transparency in the commercial transaction.
Mumbai, March 03: Pakistan responded to India’s seizure of a Karachi-bound ship in Mumbai, claiming that the vessel was carrying commercial goods, not machinery for a nuclear program, as Indian officials asserted.
The Pakistan Foreign Office denounced the reports of seizure as misrepresentation and termed it an unjustified act.
The ship, CMA CGM Attila, bound for Pakistan from China, was detained at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Port on January 23. Indian officials alleged that a CNC machine in the consignment could potentially contribute to Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions, a claim Pakistan refutes.
According to Pakistan, the ship was transporting a commercial lathe machine for a Karachi-based company supplying parts to the automobile industry. They emphasized transparent banking channels and proper documentation for the transaction.
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Pakistan criticized India’s action as a violation of international norms and an arbitrary assumption of policing roles. They condemned what they perceive as India’s growing impunity in flouting international laws.
The transportation of CNC machines falls under the Wassenaar Arrangement, aimed at regulating items with both civilian and military applications, an agreement in which India actively participates.
North Korea’s use of a CNC machine in its nuclear program underscores its sensitivity.
Indian authorities uncovered discrepancies in shipping details, suggesting efforts to conceal the true recipients of the cargo. Investigations into the matter are ongoing to ascertain further details.
