Amidst the bustling hub of Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port, security agencies recently intercepted and confiscated a consignment destined for Karachi from a Chinese vessel, unraveling a web of dual-use items with far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This revelation, made public on a Saturday, underscores the intricate dance of international security concerns.
Acting on intelligence cues, vigilant customs officials detained the Malta-flagged merchant ship, CMA CGM Attila, en route to Karachi on January 23. A meticulous inspection of the cargo revealed the presence of a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, a product of Italian craftsmanship celebrated for its precision and efficiency, all managed by a sophisticated computer system.
Upon scrutiny by a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it was affirmed that the CNC machine held potential significance for Pakistan’s nuclear endeavors, particularly in the production of critical components essential for missile development. Notably, CNC machines fall within the purview of the Wassenaar Arrangement—an international arms control framework aimed at curtailing the proliferation of items straddling both civilian and military applications, with India actively participating. It is noteworthy that North Korea employed a similar CNC machine in its nuclear pursuits.
Delving deeper into the investigation, discrepancies in shipping details surfaced, hinting at possible evasion tactics designed to shroud the true recipients. This incident adds to a series of past interceptions involving dual-use military-grade items traversing from China to Pakistan, sparking legitimate concerns regarding clandestine procurement activities. The ongoing probe seeks to establish potential links between the suspected Pakistani entities receiving these items and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DESTO), responsible for spearheading Pakistan’s defense research and development.
A forewarning from port officials armed with specific intelligence prompted Indian defense authorities to scrutinize the weighty cargo, leading them to report their suspicions. Consequently, the consignment was impounded, aligning with efforts to prevent potential proliferation involving Pakistan and China. Pertinent documents, including bills of loading, identified the consigner as “Shanghai JXE Global Logistics Co Ltd” and the consignee as “Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd” of Sialkot.
However, a subsequent investigation conducted by security agencies revealed that the hefty 22,180-kilogram consignment originated from Taiyuan Mining Import and Export Co Ltd and was destined for Cosmos Engineering in Pakistan. This occurrence echoes previous instances where Indian port officials seized dual-use military-grade items originating from China to Pakistan.
Cosmos Engineering, a Pakistani defense supplier, has lingered on the watchlist since March 12, 2022, when Italian-made thermoelectric instruments were intercepted at Nhava Sheva port. Despite international norms, this interception underscores the enduring collaboration between Pakistan and China in activities conflicting with global agreements, raising alarms about potential proliferation endeavors.
In a historical context, China’s covert supply of autoclaves to Pakistan, masked as an “industrial dryer,” remains vivid. The autoclave, seized from the Chinese ship Dai Cui Yun, raised suspicions about Pakistan’s involvement in illegal missile trade, potentially violating the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The intricate dance between China and Pakistan in acquiring sensitive items and equipment, coupled with China’s involvement in constructing nuclear power plants for Pakistan, has attracted scrutiny from international bodies, challenging established guidelines and control regimes. Notably, China has contributed in two ways—covertly supplying sensitive materials or equipment with proliferation implications and serving as a conduit to facilitate Pakistan’s procurement of dual-use military-grade items from overseas, particularly Europe and the US.
Furthermore, China’s assistance in constructing civil nuclear power plants for Pakistan has drawn attention. Violating Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) guidelines, China has erected four 300 MWe nuclear power plants in Chashma and two 1,000 MWe plants in Karachi, with plans for an additional 1,000 MWe nuclear power plant in Chashma. Recent sanctions imposed by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on Chinese companies involved in supplying missile-relevant items to Pakistan underscore the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the imperative for heightened oversight to curb potential proliferation activities.