What nuclear watchdog IAEA said on reports of ‘radiation leak’ at Pakistan facility

On May 12, Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) Air Marshal AK Bharti officially stated that the Indian armed forces did not target the nuclear facility reportedly located in Pakistan’s Kirana Hills. His clarification comes in the wake of circulating reports suggesting that the area, believed to house a nuclear installation, was struck during India’s airstrikes as part of Operation Sindoor. The statement reinforces India’s earlier rebuttal of these claims. Adding to this, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that there has been no radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan.

Also Read: BJP Minister’s ‘Sister of Our Community’ Remark on Colonel Qureshi Triggers Uproar, Congress Demands Sacking

What IAEA Says About Radiation Leak Rumors

The spokesperson of the global nuclear watchdog replied to a query by the newspaper regarding any radiation spill reported to the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre on Tuesday. It said, “We are aware of the reports you are referring to. Based on information available to the IAEA, there has been no radiation leak or release from any nuclear facility in Pakistan.”

According to the IAEA, its ‘Incident and Emergency Centre’ is the global focal point for international emergency preparedness, communication and response to nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless of whether they arise from accident, negligence or deliberate act.

Also Read: Anxious Alia Bhatt opens up on India-Pakistan tensions, thinks of ‘soldiers who will never come home’ on Mother’s Day

IAEA’s response echoes what the US Department of State’s principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott implied on May 13. When asked during a press briefing if the US would be sending a team to Pakistan following the reports of nuclear radiation leaks at some secure Pakistani sites, Pigott stated that he had no updates to share.

What IAF said

Addressing a press conference on Monday, May 12, director general of air operations Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that the Indian armed forces did not target the nuclear facility at Kirana Hills in Pakistan.

Responding to a query during the press conference, Bharti cheekily said, “Thank you for telling us that Kirana Hills houses some nuclear installation. We did not know about it. And we have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there.”

Also Read: Justice B.R. Gavai Takes Oath as Chief Justice of India