Nuclear tests in Chagai and its worst impacts.

 

By Mohammad Akbar Notezai.

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan tested its bombs capability in the mountains of Chagai in northwest of Balochistan. Mostly people in other provinces except Balochistan call it “Yaum-e-Takbeer” or Allah’s greatness day, but especially people in Chagai Balochistan local people mourn on this day and observe it as black day. Because these nuclear tests caused tremendous destruction in Chagai Balochistan by radiations, due to which people are still facing agonies. The venue Pakistan tested its nuclear capability it falls in the center of Chagai, Noshki, Kharan and Whashak.

There on few miles distance populated areas are situated. Due to radiation of these tests area dwellers have been suffering in various diseases which are lethal like skin cancer, eyes disease, heart, kidney and stomach problems are common. During labor ladies flat line and those who give birth to babies, who were born with disfigured external organs.

As America, Japan and some countries made experiments quite miles far from populated areas, because Nuclear Radiation is mentally making human being lame in Chagai Balochistan.

In Chagai Balochistan people Graze Sheep, Goats and other breeds because this is the source of their sustenance. From animals’ hairs, skin they get tents, clothes and different handicrafts from its wool etc. They also sell some their works in the market, sheep are also sold in the market for getting another source of income.

A large section of population in district Chagai and its vicinity areas fully depends on sheep breeding and agriculture. They cultivate corns, grapes, figs and vegetables. There is scarcity of water in Chagai and its adjacent areas, but some sporadic streams in the hills provide enough water to plantation. Unfortunately, due to Nuclear Tests they lost it all. The sheep died, water evaporated with no rains as the radiations caused drastic changes in environment.

Aftermath of Nuclear Tests, it has been reported that half of the cattle of people in these areas died because of high level Radiations. Many cases of human loss were also reported. Around 60 people were reported to have died before the end of 2000 because spread of uncommon diseases in the area.

Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan was busy at Lahore in functions regarding Nuclear Tests in Balochistan. He does not like to ask people of Balochistan pertaining to Nuclear Tests. He calls it in Punjab “Yaum-e-Takbeer” but if it was “Yaum-e-Takbeer” for the people of Balochistan. They never bothered to ask Balochs’ conditions. As the former Chief Minister of Balochistan Akhtar Mengal said that he was not informed regarding Nuclear Tests in Chagai Balochistan, but on 27th May, 1998, it was published in Jang Newspaper that tomorrow Pakistan will test its nuclear capability in the mountains of Chagai. But, it is beyond to understand that how former Chief Minister could be oblivious?

Few of the areas nearby Raskoh hills are adversely influenced, like Killi Dedar few kilometers from there, people are suffering from bone deformities and especially kids with Macrocephally and as well as cleft plate.

Chagai lacks proper treatment of people, except a singe hospital built by Al-Saudia government in Headquarter Dalbandin. But unfortunately, fewer medicines available and nothing in it.

Keeping in view above described situations these Nuclear Tests can be declared “Yaum-e-Tabeer” for Pakistan, but these are cause of death for Balochs and Balochistanies.