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Denuclearise Pakistan call
A former Afghan Member of Parliament in exile, Mariam Solaimankhil, has called on India and other international actors to push for Pakistan’s denuclearisation and hold Islamabad accountable for what she described as decades of state support for terrorism and destabilising actions. Her remarks come amid one of the most serious escalations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in years.
Solaimankhil told news agency ANI that Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons — coupled with alleged sponsorship of militant groups — makes it an extremely dangerous actor in regional security. She urged India to leverage its diplomatic influence to raise the issue on international platforms, seek sanctions, and demand that Pakistan be “held responsible” and “denuclearised immediately.”
Her comments reflect deep frustration with Islamabad’s behaviour, especially as tensions have sharply risen along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and beyond.
Context: Rising conflict
The call for denuclearisation comes against the backdrop of an open confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. Pakistan’s military has conducted airstrikes on Afghan cities including Kabul after clashes near the key Torkham border crossing. Islamabad’s Defence Minister has publicly declared an open conflict with Kabul, citing security concerns.
The situation has led to civilian casualties and widespread alarm because both sides are accusing each other of aggression. The renewed hostilities have compounded long-standing disputes over border control, militant movements, and regional influence.
In this fraught atmosphere, Solaimankhil’s remarks underscore wider international concerns about how nuclear weapons in volatile regions can escalate conflicts.
What the Afghan MP said
In her interview, Solaimankhil made several pointed assertions:
- She argued that Pakistan’s history of harbouring extremist fighters and its support for militant groups makes its nuclear arsenal a grave threat to regional peace.
- She criticised Islamabad’s political and military leadership, calling it closer to a “military dictatorship” than a democracy, and claimed that some elements within Pakistan “have made a business out of war.”
- Solaimankhil believes India is “strong enough” to champion this issue globally and call for Pakistan’s denuclearisation, along with sanctions and accountability measures.
Her comments have been widely shared in Indian and international media, resonating with audiences concerned about nuclear security and terrorism links.
Regional implications
Experts and analysts note that the call to denuclearise a sovereign country is rare and highly controversial, especially when centred on nations recognised as nuclear-armed states under the global non-proliferation framework. Pakistan is widely acknowledged as a nuclear weapons state, and any suggestion of stripping its arsenal raises complex legal, diplomatic, and security questions.
At the same time, the persistent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have alarmed neighbouring governments and global powers, raising the stakes for diplomatic intervention and conflict management.
International actors — including the United Nations and major powers — have called for restraint, but concrete steps to reduce tensions have yet to be agreed. Analysts warn that escalation between nuclear-armed states or in their vicinity can have unpredictable and dangerous consequences.
What this means for India and the world
- India has repeatedly voiced concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistan and its role in supporting extremist groups, though it has not formally endorsed calls for denuclearisation.
- Solaimankhil’s statement amplifies these concerns but represents the viewpoint of a political figure in exile, not an official policy position of Afghanistan or India.
- The international community generally seeks dialogue and de-escalation, balancing nuclear deterrence with diplomatic engagement.
In summary: A former Afghan MP-in-exile has called for Pakistan’s denuclearisation, urging India to lead efforts to hold Islamabad accountable for alleged support to terrorism and dangerous nuclear brinkmanship. The appeal comes amid escalating conflict on the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier, underscoring complex security dynamics that could have significant ramifications for the region and beyond.
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