Youm-e-Takbeer is being observed across Pakistan today, commemorating the country’s successful nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998, in the Chagai hills of Balochistan. The day marks a historic milestone when Pakistan became the seventh nuclear-armed state in the world and the first in the Muslim world. The tests, a response to five earlier nuclear detonations by India the same month, reflected Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its national security and strategic interests.
In their separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Chairperson Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and the services chiefs paid tribute to the visionary leadership and the exceptional brilliance of Pakistani scientists and engineers. They emphasized that Youm-e-Takbeer symbolizes not only the country’s nuclear achievements but also its enduring commitment to protecting sovereignty and independence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the public and described the day as a symbol of Pakistan’s resolve. “Today, on Youm-e-Takbeer, I thank Allah Almighty and congratulate from the core of my heart the entire nation and all patriotic Pakistanis,” he said. He further stated that the occasion should now serve as a “renewed commitment to economic transformation,” aligning national pride with future goals of development and self-reliance.
Recalling the events leading up to the nuclear tests, Shehbaz highlighted the intense international pressure faced by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Despite offers and external efforts to dissuade Pakistan from proceeding with the tests, the decision was ultimately made to go ahead. “Nawaz Sharif represented the aspirations and national interests of the entire nation…and made our geographical borders impregnable forever,” said Shehbaz.
He described the decision as demonstrating “iron resolve” in the face of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The prime minister also linked this year’s commemoration to what he referred to as Pakistan’s recent success during a military standoff with India. Referring to the period of May 6 to 10, he described it as an “unjustified war imposed by India” and credited the unity and resolve of the armed forces and the Pakistani people in confronting the challenge. “This year, the joys of Youm-e-Takbeer have further increased for a nation filled with victory,” he added.
Paying homage to the architects of the nuclear programme, Shehbaz praised Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating the project in the 1970s and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, widely regarded as the father of Pakistan’s nuclear capability. He also acknowledged the crucial contributions of the scientific community, the armed forces, and the public. “I salute the nation, which made immense sacrifices for the completion of the nuclear programme and wrote a proud story of its determination and faith,” he said.
Concluding his message, the prime minister stressed that Youm-e-Takbeer should not be seen merely as a celebration of past achievements but as a “call to build a stronger, self-reliant future.”
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