Today (Sunday), Pakistan is ardently observing Youm-e-Takbeer, the 25th anniversary of the country’s triumphant nuclear tests conducted in the Chaghai hills.
The seminal event solidified Pakistan’s standing as the seventh nation to possess nuclear weaponry worldwide and the first in the Islamic realm. It amplified its regional presence and recalibrated the balance of power.
Youm-e-Takbeer is a monumental moment in Pakistan’s chronicles, a day that strengthened the country’s defensive potential and regional stability via power equilibrium.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during this occasion, reiterated the country’s unwavering commitment to its defense and sovereignty. He highlighted that Youm-e-Takbeer is a steadfast assertion of Pakistan’s unwillingness to compromise on national sovereignty and defense, serving as a reminder to the world of the nation’s preparedness to make any required sacrifice for its protection.
He underlined that the nation’s defense, dignity, and liberty are paramount, and no force can dare to infringe upon these principles.
Sharif urged his fellow citizens to uphold the spirit encapsulated in Youm-e-Takbir, nurturing economic self-sufficiency and independence.
The Prime Minister paid homage to the nationalistic fervor of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who oversaw the nuclear tests in the face of international pressures, and former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who initiated Pakistan’s nuclear program.
Sharif acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Dr. Abdul Qadir Khan, all scientists, engineers, and contributors towards attaining nuclear deterrence. He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and other allied nations that extended support to Pakistan in the face of economic sanctions triggered by the nuclear program.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general accentuated the day’s importance, declaring that the armed forces pay a heartfelt tribute to the “genius minds who envisioned and actualized” nuclear deterrence amidst challenges.
The military’s media division declared, “We extend our salute to the scientists and engineers who transformed impossibility into reality. May Pakistan prosper.”
Pakistan’s nuclear tests demonstrated the nation’s resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty, independence and the necessity to preserve a strategic balance in South Asia.
India’s first testing of a nuclear “device” in 1974 provoked Pakistan to expedite its nuclear program with renewed resolve.
Pakistan undertook its inaugural test on May 28, 1998, in the RasKoh hills of the Chaghai District of Balochistan, amidst cries of “Allah-o-Akbar.”
Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace and stability in South Asia while maintaining its ability to counter aggression or adventurism.
Pakistan supports global endeavors to fortify the international non-proliferation regime grounded on the principles of non-discrimination and equal security for all states. It abides by the most recent international standards on export controls and upholds the highest nuclear safety and security standards.
Addtional News Input from APP
