The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that no radiation leak has been detected from any nuclear facility in Pakistan, including the sensitive Kirana Hills site in Sargodha district.
This follows online speculation and reports that claimed a possible strike during India’s Operation Sindoor may have impacted Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure.
In a statement to The Indian Express, the IAEA 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.”
The clarification comes three days after Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, dismissed claims that Indian forces had targeted the Kirana Hills facility. In a press conference held on May 12, Bharti responded with a pointed remark: “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.”
Kirana Hills, locally known as the “Black Mountains,” is a classified military zone under Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence. Long speculated to be linked to Pakistan’s nuclear program, the area lies between Rabwah and Sargodha and has remained a subject of intense scrutiny by global analysts.
The IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre, which monitors radiological and nuclear safety incidents worldwide, confirmed it had received no alerts or abnormal reports from the region. The Centre serves as the global hub for emergency preparedness, whether stemming from accidents, negligence, or intentional acts.
Earlier, when asked about the alleged radiation leak, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said he had no updates to share, indirectly downplaying the concerns.
India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, involved targeted military strikes in Pakistan-administered territory. While Pakistan has alleged disproportionate force, India has maintained it struck only terror infrastructure, steering clear of civilian or nuclear targets.
As tensions persist along the Line of Control, the IAEA’s statement is likely to ease fears of a nuclear mishap and redirect attention toward broader regional security dynamics.
