Exiled Sindhi separatist leader Shafi Burfat has written an urgent open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are now effectively controlled by a “radicalised, jihadist-influenced military leadership” under Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is now serving both as Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces.
“The danger is no longer terrorists capturing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal,” Burfat writes, “but the extremists already positioned at the highest levels of control.”
Burfat, chairman of the banned Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), described Pakistan as an “artificial, extremism-driven state” and a “Punjabi-dominated military colony” where institutions serve the army rather than the diverse population.
He alleged systematic political repression in Sindh, including enforced disappearances, censorship, and exploitation of the province’s resources. The letter claims nuclear warheads are being secretly stored in Sindh and Balochistan, putting millions of civilians at risk.
Sent from Frankfurt on the eve of World Human Rights Day, the letter comes amid growing concern over Munir’s unprecedented consolidation of power. The Pakistani Army Chief’s elevation to Field Marshal and increasing control over national policy, internal security, and political processes have effectively sidelined civilian institutions. Burfat described the current military command structure as influenced by a “jihadi worldview,” dramatically increasing the risk of nuclear misuse.
Positioning Sindh as India’s “civilisational partner” and “natural ally,” Burfat urged New Delhi to raise concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear command, state-sponsored extremism, and human rights abuses at international forums, including the UN, BRICS, G20, and QUAD.
He called for global oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear facilities and advocacy for the right to self-determination for Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns. Framing Sindh’s liberation as both a political and strategic imperative, he stressed its importance for regional security and reducing extremism in South Asia.
The appeal echoes remarks by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who last month stated that while Sindh is not part of India today, “borders can change. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again. Our people of Sindh, who hold the Indus River sacred, will always be our own.” Burfat cited these comments as evidence of New Delhi’s recognition of Sindh’s historical and cultural ties to India.
Concluding his letter, Burfat emphasized the urgency of action: “As long as Pakistan's radical state structure and its venomous presence continue to threaten the stability of the neighbourhood, the stability of the region and the entire humanity, a stable future for the region is impossible. The civilized world must unleash, confront and dismantle this dangerous system. Unless Pakistan's radicalisation, terrorism and irresponsible nuclear attitude are eliminated, its presence will always be a threat to peace in the region and the world. We appeal to you with the confidence that India, the land of justice, democracy and old civilization, will stand with those oppressed nations who seek freedom from tyranny.”
While the Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented, the letter has intensified international scrutiny of Pakistan’s civil-military imbalance and the security risks posed by its nuclear arsenal amid rising internal instability and jihadi violence.
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