As the nation observed Youm-i-Takbeer on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani praised Pakistan’s “unwavering determination” to become a nuclear power under then-premier Nawaz Sharif.
Youm-i-Takbeer, commemorated on May 28, marks the day in 1998 when Pakistan conducted atomic tests in Chagai, Balochistan, joining the ranks of nuclear powers.
PM Shehbaz declared a public holiday across the country in honour of Youm-i-Takbeer.
Read: Youm-e-Takbeer 2024: Pakistan Declares Public Holiday to Celebrate Historic Nuclear Test Anniversary
In his message, the prime minister highlighted May 28 as a symbol of Pakistan’s arduous yet remarkable path to establishing credible minimum deterrence.
On this historic day in 1998, PM Nawaz Sharif rejected immense pressures and inducements, leading Pakistan to become a nuclear-armed nation, PM Shehbaz noted on X.
The prime minister also paid tribute to ex-PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear program, for his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment.
PM Shehbaz asserted that this significant day symbolizes the collective effort of national power, overcoming immense challenges to achieve a milestone in Pakistan’s defense capabilities.
Honouring the Architects of Pakistan’s Nuclear Program
President Gilani described Youm-i-Takbeer as a testament to Pakistan’s resilience, determination, and commitment to regional peace and stability.
“Our leadership and scientists overcame various challenges to achieve this remarkable feat,” he acknowledged, praising the hard work of scientists and engineers.
Gilani highlighted Bhutto’s efforts in making Pakistan a nuclear state and appreciated Benazir Bhutto’s support for conducting nuclear tests as opposition leader.
As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan believes in peaceful conflict resolution and adheres to international standards with stringent controls to safeguard its nuclear assets, the acting president said.
Gilani added that Pakistan remains committed to maintaining credible minimum deterrence, preserving the balance of power, and deterring aggression.
“Nuclear deterrence is a cornerstone of stability in South Asia,” Gilani stated, calling Pakistan’s strategic capability a powerful deterrent and a weapon for peace.
He renewed Pakistan’s pledge to work towards a peaceful and stable world and urged drawing inspiration from this success to make the country’s defense impregnable through technological and economic advancements.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and services chiefs also felicitated the nation on Youm-i-Takbeer.
In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) paid tribute to the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of all who contributed to this achievement against overwhelming odds.
