Kirana Hills: Pakistan’s Secret Nuclear Testing Site and Why India Is Watching
The Kirana Hills, a rugged, granite-rich region located near Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, are back in the spotlight after being mentioned in India's recent tri-services briefing. Known to few outside defense and intelligence circles, these hills have a significant place in South Asia’s nuclear history due to their role in Pakistan’s covert nuclear development during the 1980s.
What Are the Kirana Hills?
The Kirana Hills are part of a low, rocky mountain range in central Pakistan. In the 1980s, this seemingly inconspicuous area became a site of secretive "cold tests" — sub-critical nuclear weapon trials — conducted by Pakistan under the watchful eye of its nuclear establishment, including the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and key scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
These tests did not involve a nuclear explosion but were critical for validating weapon design. They allowed Pakistan to advance its nuclear capability without drawing international attention, especially from agencies like the CIA or IAEA.
Satellite images later confirmed the presence of bunkers and tunnels in the Kirana Hills, pointing to sustained underground activities and possibly simulated detonation chambers. The secrecy surrounding this site made it an object of deep concern for Indian intelligence and defense strategists.
Why Did Kirana Hills Come Up in India’s Tri-Services Briefing?
India’s tri-services briefing, which brings together the Army, Navy, and Air Force leadership, highlighted Kirana Hills as a reminder of Pakistan’s nuclear posture and history of covert development. The reference served two key purposes:
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Strategic Signaling: By invoking Kirana Hills, Indian defense officials underscored the long-standing nature of Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions and the need for India to remain alert to regional nuclear developments, both historical and current.
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Historical Context in Modern Threat Analysis: The mention reflects how past events — such as Pakistan’s clandestine nuclear activities — continue to shape current security assessments. With regional instability, the continued support for terrorism, and evolving China-Pakistan military ties, India’s military leadership is reviewing all legacy and current threats to national security.
Conclusion
The re-emergence of Kirana Hills in official Indian discourse isn't incidental. It represents a broader strategic awareness of the deep-rooted military and nuclear capabilities of Pakistan and the importance of historical intelligence in forecasting future threats. As regional dynamics grow more complex, India is ensuring that such historical markers are not forgotten in its defense planning.
FAQ
Q1. What are the Kirana Hills in Pakistan?
A: The Kirana Hills are a series of small rocky hills located near Sargodha in Punjab province, Pakistan. They gained notoriety in the 1980s as the site where Pakistan conducted secret "cold tests" related to its nuclear weapons program.
Q2. What are "cold tests" and how are they different from nuclear explosions?
A: Cold tests involve simulating a nuclear detonation without actually triggering a nuclear explosion. These tests help scientists validate the design and functionality of a nuclear weapon without violating test ban treaties or attracting global attention.
Q3. Why did India's tri-services mention Kirana Hills in a briefing?
A: India’s tri-services command highlighted the Kirana Hills to emphasize Pakistan’s history of covert nuclear development and to underline the need for continued vigilance against nuclear threats in the region.
Q4. When did Pakistan conduct these cold tests in the Kirana Hills?
A: Pakistan reportedly conducted around 24 cold tests between 1983 and 1990 in the Kirana Hills area, according to various intelligence reports and expert assessments.
Q5. How does this affect India’s current defense strategy?
A: The mention of Kirana Hills serves as a strategic reminder of Pakistan’s long-standing nuclear capabilities and reinforces the need for India to maintain a robust and prepared defense posture, especially in the face of evolving threats.
Q6. Are the Kirana Hills still used for nuclear activities today?
A: There is no confirmed public evidence that the Kirana Hills are currently used for nuclear testing. However, the site's legacy continues to influence how India and other countries view Pakistan’s nuclear intentions.
Publish on may 12,2025 by :selvi