Pakistan is reportedly engaged in the clandestine construction of extensive tunnel systems and underground chambers within the remote hills of Sindh province. These activities, attributed to the Pakistan Army, have drawn significant international attention and concern from Sindhi civil society groups and the Sindhudesh Movement. The primary worry is that these secretive projects could be aimed at conducting undeclared nuclear tests or establishing highly secure, off-limits storage for nuclear materials.
Key areas implicated in these allegations include locations north of Jamshoro, near Noreabad, around Kamber-Shahdadkot, and west of Manchar Lake. Reports highlight that the construction is characterized by stringent military control and rapid progress, with civilian presence strictly prohibited near the sites. This level of secrecy has amplified global apprehension.
The potential implications are dire, with activists warning of the facilities being used for storing nuclear substances, leading to risks of radioactive contamination and extensive environmental damage. Furthermore, these alleged operations could contravene established international standards for nuclear safety and non-proliferation, posing a threat to global security.
International oversight is urgently requested. The coalition has formally appealed to the UN Secretary-General, the IAEA, and human rights organizations for verification and investigation. They are urging the IAEA to examine its verification mandate and to consider deploying technical specialists. The establishment of an independent fact-finding mission by the UN is also sought, along with parallel human rights and environmental impact studies. The petition stresses the importance of secure channels for reporting evidence and protecting those who come forward, alongside the development of emergency plans for potential radiological incidents.