Pakistan's First Reaction After India Seizes 'Nuclear Cargo' From Karachi-Bound Ship

Pakistan on Sunday stated that the Karachi-bound ship seized by Indian forces in Mumbai was “carrying commercial” supplies rather than nuclear project machinery, a day after Indian officials released details of the seizure. According to the Pakistan Foreign Office, the reports of the seizure contained “misrepresentation of facts”.

On January 23, the CMA CGM Attila, a Chinese ship destined for Pakistan, was halted at Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port. Officials informed news agency PTI on Saturday that a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) evaluated the shipment, which included a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, and confirmed its possible use in Pakistan’s nuclear development.

Pakistan denied this, stating in a statement that the vessel was transporting a commercial lathe equipment for a Karachi-based firm.

“This is a simple case of import of a commercial lathe machine by a Karachi-based commercial entity which supplies parts to the automobile industry in Pakistan. Specifications of the equipment clearly indicate it’s purely for commercial use. The transaction was being conducted through transparent banking channels with all the relevant documentation,” the statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reads.

Pakistan stated that the relevant private companies were pursuing the case against this wrongful seizure. “Pakistan condemns India’s high-handedness in seizure of commercial goods. This disruption of free trade underscores the dangers inherent in arbitrary assumption of policing roles by states with dubious credentials. Such acts also highlight the growing impunity of certain states in violating international norms and taking arbitrary measures in violation of international law,” the statement further reads.

Indian authorities, who discovered the transportation of a CNC machine, noted that it falls under the regulations of the Wassenaar Arrangement—an international accord aimed at regulating the dissemination of items with both civilian and military applications, which India actively participates in. North Korea utilized a CNC machine in its nuclear program.

Officials stated that investigations uncovered inconsistencies in shipping information, indicating efforts to conceal the actual recipients. They added that further investigation is ongoing.