Amid Nuclear Fears, Pakistan Plans to Reopen Embassy in North Korea

New Delhi: Amid the recent claims of US President Donald Trump about Pakistan “testing nuclear weapons”, Islamabad is planning reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, North Korea.

If this development happens it could raise fresh concerns over nuclear proliferation networks in Asia. In connection with the same, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Islamabad had got a request from Pyongyang to reopen its embassy. It is to be noted here that the embassy was closed since the Covid time and the proposal was currently “under consideration”.

What Ishaq Dar said in his statement?

In a written response to a query of parliament, Ishaq Dar stated that meaningful countries was “not possible'', due to “multiple sanctions” on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

He said, “Trade between Pakistan and DPRK is virtually non-existent.” He further added that Pakistan continued to support Korean unification through peaceful means “without external interference”.

What is India's take on Pakistan-North Korea nuclear linkages?

It is to be noted here that India has continuously called out suspected Pakistan-North Korea nuclear linkages. It also asked a strict global action against proliferation in the region. Notably, in 2017, India called for a formal probe into Pyongyang’s proliferation networks. Meanwhile, in 2022, New Delhi, informed the UN Security Council that “there is a pressing need to address the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies related to the DPRK in our region." It further warned that such activities “adversely impact peace and security, including in India.”

What will happen if Pakistan’s Embassy is opened in Pyongyang?

If this happens and Pakistan’s Embassy is opened in Pyongyang, it would make Islamabad world’s most diplomatically isolated capitals. It is worthy to be mentioned here that India also has its presence in DPRK. India has also reopened its Embassy in Pyongyang after it was closed for four-year. Meanwhile, India appointed Aliawati Longkumer as its next Ambassador to North Korea.

What Donald Trump said about Nuclear Weapon testing?

Recently, Donald Trump during an interview said, "You have to see how they work. The reason I'm saying testing is that Russia announced that they were going to be doing a test. If you notice, North Korea is testing constantly. Other countries are testing. We're the only country that doesn't test. And I don't want to be the only country that doesn't test." He added, "We're going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do."