Pakistan is the seventh nuclear nation and the first Muslim state with nuclear capabilities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left), President Asif Ali Zardari (center), CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir (right)
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their messages on Youm-e-Takbeer on Thursday, reiterated that Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving nation that respects international laws and norms. Radio Pakistan reported.
The president, in his message, said that nuclear tests conducted 28 years ago established Pakistan’s deterrence capability and made the country the seventh nuclear power in the world.
Paying tribute to the scientists, engineers and armed forces, he said their dedication, professionalism and patriotism enabled Pakistan to achieve a historic milestone.
He also recognized the role of national leadership and institutions in strengthening the country’s strategic capabilities.
The Prime Minister, in his message, said that the day is testimony to the fact that the defense of Pakistan, envisioned by Allama Muhammad Iqbal and materialized by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, remains in strong and capable hands.
Describing Youm-e-Takbeer as more than just a remembrance of nuclear tests, he said it symbolizes national dignity, sacrifice, unity and an unwavering commitment to the defense of the motherland.
He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and the readiness of its armed forces remain a decisive deterrent against enemy aggression.
Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the Pakistan Armed Forces, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the proud people of Pakistan on the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer.
They said this defining milestone symbolizes the nation’s unity, resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honour.
The statement said Pakistan’s strategic capability remains a sacred national duty and a guarantor of peace, stability, territorial integrity and credible deterrence in the region.
He said the Pakistan Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the homeland against all threats and remain committed to ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the nation.
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Youm-e-Takbeer is celebrated today in memory of the nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, which made the country’s defense invincible.
On that day, Pakistan became the world’s seventh nuclear nation and the first Muslim state to possess a nuclear arsenal in its defense arsenal.
The team of Pakistani scientists, led by the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Dr Samar Mubarakmand, carried out the nuclear tests in the RasKoh hills in Chaghai district of Balochistan.
These tests not only demonstrated the determination of the Pakistani nation to safeguard the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Pakistan, but also reflected the desire to preserve the strategic balance in South Asia.
Resisting mounting external pressure, Pakistan’s then-former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took the decision to test Pakistani nuclear weapons in response to Indian nuclear tests, thus balancing the strategic power equation in the region.
Pakistan is committed to promoting an environment of peace and stability in South Asia, while preserving its ability to thwart aggression or adventurism in any form.
