A global organisation assessing the state of nuclear security placed Pakistan ahead of India, Iran, and North Korea in terms of how it manages hazardous materials. The nation had improved by three points since the previous evaluation, and it was ranked number 19 out of a total of 22 states.
Pakistan outranks India in Nuclear Security Index: Based on a number of indicators and criteria, the NTI Nuclear Security Index evaluates a nation’s nuclear security capabilities and efforts. The safety of nuclear weapons and installations, observance of international laws and treaties, the regulatory framework for nuclear security, and the adoption of best practises to prevent unauthorised access to nuclear weapons or materials are a few examples of these.
The index is kept up to date by the non-profit Nuclear Threat Initiative, based in Washington, which meticulously tracks how nations handle nuclear material.
Pakistan received a total score of 49 on the NTI index, which was higher than India’s 40, Iran’s 29, and North Korea’s 18.
It also revealed that Pakistan, which was ranked above numerous other nations including India, Iran, Mexico, and South Africa on a list of 47 nations, came in at number 32 in terms of the security of its nuclear facilities, along with Russia and Israel.
The worldwide nuclear security, according to the index, is deteriorating, which is a cause for concern.
“NTI Nuclear Security Index Reveals Deteriorating Conditions and Stockpile Increases in Nations with Nuclear Facilities”
“The NTI Nuclear Security Index reported in 2023 that nuclear security conditions are deteriorating in the dozens of nations and regions that possess nuclear facilities and materials capable of being used to make weapons.”
The report’s authors also pointed out that a number of nations, notably Pakistan, were increasing their stockpiles of materials fit for use as weapons.
“The report stated that eight countries — France, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United Kingdom — are increasing their stocks of nuclear materials that can be used for making weapons, in some cases by thousands of kilogrammes per year. This undermines efforts to minimize and eliminate them and raises the risk of theft.” “Countries are also breaking their promises to increase confidence and share information, which were important factors in progress during the time of the Nuclear Security Summits.”
The most recent NTI index assessed the security of nuclear plants against acts of sabotage as well as the security of highly enriched uranium and plutonium against theft. These components may be used to make a nuclear bomb if they were stolen.
A nuclear facility being sabotaged can also cause a harmful radiation discharge.