Open letter to President Trump

2026-03-07 - 21:14

Dear Mr President, THE claim made a few days ago by Mujahid Jawad of Ashburn, Virginia, in a Facebook post addressed to you —that Pakistan is descending into instability—is nothing more than a figment of his imagination. With apparent malafide intent, he further alleges that if Pakistan’s nuclear weapons were ever to fall into the hands of radical militants, they could be used recklessly, like a slingshot in dangerous hands.Such rhetoric, employed by Mujahid Jawad to malign Pakistan’s foolproof nuclear program, clearly reflects a profoundly malicious and prejudiced mindset. For Mujahid Jawad—and for other ill-informed, malicious and anti-Pakistan elements like him—it is essential to reiterate certain undeniable facts regarding Pakistan’s robust and secure nuclear program. Pakistan has consistently maintained that its nuclear and missile program is “totally secure, foolproof and under no stress or pressure.” The Government of Pakistan regards its nuclear capability as a national asset that is jealously guarded by the state. Despite recurring external speculation, particularly during challenging economic circumstances, Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized the strength and reliability of its command and control mechanisms. Security Measures and Command Structure: National Command Authority (NCA): The NCA, chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, serves as the apex authority responsible for exercising complete control over the development, deployment and employment of nuclear weapons. Strategic Plans Division (SPD): The SPD functions as the Secretariat of the NCA and oversees the safety, security and administrative management of nuclear assets, including command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, information, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4I2SR), as well as internal security. Multi-Layered Protection: Pakistan has instituted comprehensive physical protection systems, including strict material control, accounting mechanisms, transportation security protocols and rigorous personnel reliability programs such as the “two-man rule.” De-mated Configuration: In peacetime, Pakistan maintains land- and air-based nuclear weapons in a disassembled (de-mated) state to prevent unauthorized access or use. Technical Safeguards: Pakistan has developed indigenous Permissive Action Links (PALs) to ensure that nuclear weapons cannot be activated without the appropriate electronic authorization codes. Full Spectrum Deterrence: Pakistan’s strategic doctrine is based on “Full Spectrum Deterrence,” designed to counter conventional military threats from India. This includes the development of tactical nuclear capabilities intended to deter limited conventional conflict scenarios such as India’s so-called “Cold Start” doctrine. Cooperation with IAEA: Pakistan actively cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on nuclear safety and security matters. Training and capacity-building initiatives are conducted at the Pakistan Centre of Excellence for Nuclear Security (PCENS). Response to Misleading Claims: Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has categorically rejected allegations regarding the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear program, describing such speculation as “misleading” and “unfortunate.” In the light of these well-established facts, the concerns raised by Mujahid Jawad on Facebook are clearly biased and entirely unfounded. His assertions about Pakistan’s nuclear program remain nothing more than a product of imagination, driven by prejudice and malafide intent. Given the internationally recognized safeguards and the professionalism with which Pakistan manages its strategic assets, it is reasonable to expect that neither President Donald Trump nor any responsible head of state would pay heed to such irresponsible rhetoric concerning a highly sensitive and strategic matter. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Pakistan’s unwavering position: its nuclear and missile program is a national asset that is jealously guarded by the state and the entire system remains totally secure and foolproof. To further reinforce these assertions regarding the safety and integrity of Pakistan’s nuclear program, it is pertinent to cite the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, reported in Pakistan’s national press on March 4, 2026. IAEA Expresses Satisfaction with Pakistan’s Nuclear Safety: The IAEA has expressed satisfaction with the safety, security and safeguards of Pakistan’s nuclear program, particularly in connection with the approval of safeguards for the Chashma-5 nuclear power project in March 2026. With more than 100 reactor-years of operational experience, Pakistan currently operates six nuclear power plants in accordance with international standards, contributing approximately 18.3% of the country’s energy mix. Key Highlights of IAEA–Pakistan Cooperation: Safety Record: The IAEA has repeatedly commended Pakistan for maintaining high safety standards and secure operations. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has acknowledged Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state. Chashma-5 Project: The IAEA Board’s approval of safeguards for the 1,200 MW Chashma-5 nuclear unit underscores international confidence in Pakistan’s nuclear management systems. Peaceful Cooperation: Pakistan collaborates with the IAEA on training, capacity building and the application of nuclear technology in health, agriculture and energy sectors. Compliance: Although Pakistan is not a signatory to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), it adheres to international nuclear safety conventions and safeguards frameworks. Highest regards, —The writer is a columnist and analyst based in Islamabad -Pakistan. (geniousfazal@hotmail.com)