Former US President Donald Trump has stirred a wave of debate by claiming that Pakistan is secretly conducting nuclear tests. During his appearance on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump argued that several nations continue underground testing, while the United States remains idle. He suggested that America should not be the only power avoiding such tests, calling for renewed US nuclear activities.
Statement Sparks Confusion and Concern
Trump’s comments followed his social media post, where he stated he had directed the Department of Defense to restart nuclear testing immediately. This message confused Washington about whether a real test was being prepared. During the interview, he emphasized that the US holds the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, adding that he has discussed disarmament with leaders like Putin and Xi Jinping.
Claims About Pakistan’s Secret Testing
While explaining his views, Trump made a bold claim that Pakistan, like North Korea, secretly performs underground nuclear tests. He stated that these tests are done deep below the surface, making them difficult to detect. “North Korea does it. Pakistan does it. They don’t tell you,” he said. According to him, such secret tests only cause minor tremors that are often ignored internationally.
Host Challenges Trump’s Assertions
The show’s host questioned Trump’s claim, noting that no country apart from North Korea has carried out nuclear tests since the 1990s. However, Trump rejected this point, suggesting that Russia and China also conduct hidden experiments. He insisted that these countries use underground facilities, away from public view, to maintain their nuclear readiness while pretending to follow international bans.
Trump Defends His Call for Testing
Trump argued that nuclear testing is essential to ensure the reliability of the US arsenal. He said that while he hopes nuclear weapons are never used, it is risky to rely on untested systems. He added that the US, Russia, and China all possess enough power to destroy the world several times over. Testing, he believes, ensures that weapons remain functional and credible.
Pakistan Awaits Official Response
So far, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has not released an official statement responding to Trump’s remarks. His comments have sparked curiosity and unease, both in diplomatic circles and among security analysts. Many await clarity on whether his claim has any factual basis or is simply political rhetoric. Until then, speculation continues over Trump’s striking allegation against Pakistan.