In a statement that has sparked international concern, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Pakistan is among several countries “actively testing nuclear weapons,” suggesting that Washington should resume its own nuclear testing program to “maintain parity.”
During an interview aired over the weekend, Trump alleged that Pakistan, Russia, China, and North Korea were conducting underground nuclear tests “where people don’t know exactly what’s happening.” He said, “We’re going to test because they test and others test. Certainly, North Korea’s been testing. Pakistan’s been testing.”
The remarks mark the first time a major U.S. political figure has publicly accused Pakistan of resuming nuclear testing — a claim that has not been verified by any international agency or independent monitoring network.
Islamabad Yet to Respond
As of Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had not issued any formal response to the claim. Historically, Pakistan last conducted nuclear tests in May 1998, when it carried out the Chagai-I and Chagai-II detonations in Balochistan, following India’s tests earlier that month.
Analysts in Islamabad view Trump’s comments as politically charged rhetoric, possibly aimed at justifying renewed U.S. nuclear trials, rather than a statement based on verifiable intelligence.
A senior security analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Pixel Pakistan that “Pakistan maintains its nuclear arsenal under strict command and control. There is no indication of resumed testing activity.”
Regional and Diplomatic Implications
Trump’s assertion comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan’s foreign relations. The country is already navigating regional security challenges, strained economic conditions, and a delicate balance in its ties with both the U.S. and China.
International observers warn that Trump’s remarks could intensify scrutiny of Pakistan’s nuclear programme — particularly at a time when New Delhi has been pushing for greater transparency from Islamabad.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently suggested that Pakistan’s nuclear facilities should be placed “under IAEA supervision,” adding to the diplomatic pressure following Trump’s remarks.
If Washington were to formally act on Trump’s suggestion and resume nuclear tests, it could undermine decades of global non-proliferation efforts and encourage other nuclear states to follow suit.
Strategic Silence from Islamabad
Experts believe Pakistan will likely respond cautiously, opting for strategic silence rather than open confrontation.
Dr. Maria Sultan, a defense analyst based in Islamabad, commented, “Pakistan’s nuclear posture remains one of minimum credible deterrence. It is highly unlikely that the country would risk breaching international thresholds by conducting fresh tests without a strategic necessity.”
Global Security at Crossroads
The U.S. has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992 under a self-imposed moratorium, though it continues to conduct subcritical experiments.
If the U.S. resumes testing, it could trigger a new nuclear arms race, experts warn — with Pakistan’s alleged involvement now part of the conversation shaping that debate.
For Pakistan, the controversy underscores the persistent geopolitical sensitivity surrounding its nuclear capabilities — and the fine line it must walk between deterrence and diplomacy.
