Pakistan asserted on Sunday that the ship bound for Karachi, which Indian agencies detained at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port in January, was carrying "commercial goods" rather than machinery intended for a nuclear program, as claimed by Indian authorities. The Pakistan Foreign Office criticized the portrayal of events surrounding the seizure, alleging "misrepresentation of facts".
The vessel in question, CMA CGM Attila, destined for Pakistan from China, was halted at Mumbai's port on January 23. According to officials speaking to news agency PTI, a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inspected the cargo, including a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, and concluded its potential use in Pakistan's nuclear endeavors.
Disputing this narrative, Pakistan contended in a statement that the ship was transporting a commercial lathe machine for a Karachi-based enterprise.
"This pertains to the import of a commercial lathe machine by a Karachi-based commercial entity engaged in supplying automotive industry components in Pakistan. The equipment's specifications evidently denote its sole commercial utility. The transaction was conducted transparently through established banking channels with comprehensive documentation," the statement clarified.
Denouncing the detention as "unjustified", Pakistani officials indicated that "relevant private entities are pursuing the matter", emphasizing its violation of international norms.
"Pakistan denounces India's arbitrary confiscation of commercial goods. Such disruption to free trade underscores the hazards associated with states arbitrarily assuming policing roles, particularly those with questionable credentials. These actions underscore certain states' growing disregard for international norms and propensity to take arbitrary measures contrary to international law," the Pakistan Foreign Office's statement continued.
The transit of the CNC machine, flagged by Indian authorities, is regulated by the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international accord aimed at managing the proliferation of items with dual civilian and military applications, in which India actively participates. Notably, North Korea utilized a CNC machine in its nuclear pursuits.
Officials revealed discrepancies in shipping records, hinting at efforts to conceal the actual recipients, prompting ongoing investigations.
