Pakistan says Karachi-bound ship intercepted by India on suspicion of nuclear cargo carries 'commercial merchandise'

This statement from the Pakistan Foreign Office follows a day after Indian officials revealed the seizure, which Pakistan claims to be a ‘factual misrepresentation’.

"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 its purely commercial use. The transaction was being conducted through transparent banking channels with all the relevant documentation," the statement said.

Calling it an "unjustified seizure", the Pakistan officials said that "relevant private entities are pursuing the matter" and asserted that it as a "violation of international norms".

"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 by the Pakistan Foreign Office further reads.

On January 23, the Pakistan-bound vessel CMA CGM Attila from China was stopped at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva Port.

On Saturday, a media report said, citing officials that a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inspected the shipment, which comprised a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, and confirmed its potential application in Pakistan's nuclear program.

Contrary to this, Pakistan stated in a statement that the ship was carrying a commercial lathe machine for a company in Karachi.