Allegations of secret underground construction by the Pakistan Army in Sindh’s hilly regions have triggered international concern. A coalition of Sindhi civil society organizations and the Sindhudesh Movement have brought these activities to the attention of the UN Secretary-General, the IAEA, and other human rights bodies. They fear Pakistan may be preparing for undisclosed nuclear tests or establishing hidden nuclear material storage sites.
The reported underground facilities, described as extensive tunnel and chamber systems, are located in remote areas of Sindh, including near Jamshoro, Noreabad, Kamber-Shahdadkot, and west of Manchar Lake. The secrecy surrounding the construction, with strict military control and no civilian access, has intensified suspicions about its true nature and purpose.
Civil society groups warn that these tunnels could serve as secure locations for nuclear materials, posing substantial risks of radioactive leakage, environmental degradation, and violations of global nuclear non-proliferation norms. The ongoing rapid development underscores the urgency of international scrutiny.
An urgent appeal has been made for international verification of these claims. The coalition seeks transparency, emphasizing that their objective is to ensure global safety and environmental protection, not to incite geopolitical tensions. The IAEA is specifically asked to review its verification mandate and consider deploying technical teams for an independent on-site evaluation. A request has also been made to the UN Secretary-General for an impartial fact-finding mission, coupled with comprehensive human rights and environmental assessments by relevant UN agencies. Protection for sources and contingency planning for potential radiological events are also highlighted.