Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Youm-i-Takbeer stands as a defining moment in Pakistan’s history when the nation demonstrated unwavering resolve, unity and courage by emerging as a nuclear power and restoring the strategic balance in South Asia.
Youm-i-Takbeer marks the historic day of May 28, 1998 when Pakistan joined the ranks of nuclear powers after atomic tests in the hills of Chagai, Balochistan.
In his message, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests on May 28, 1998 in response to India’s nuclear explosions, sending a clear message to the world that the country would never compromise on its defence and sovereignty.
He said the day bears testimony that the defence of Pakistan remained in strong and capable hands. He also paid tribute to all those who contributed to Pakistan’s nuclear programme, including former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
He also acknowledged the services of national heroes Abdul Qadeer Khan and Samar Mubarakmand, along with scientists, engineers, experts, armed forces personnel and workers who played a historic role in making Pakistan’s defence impregnable.
The prime minister said India carried out nuclear tests driven by militaristic ambitions and expansionist designs, while Pakistan responded with wisdom and determination to foil hostile intentions. He noted that despite international pressure, economic threats and financial inducements, then-prime minister Nawaz refused to compromise on the country’s independence and security.
PM Shehbaz said that Youm-i-Takbeer symbolised national dignity, sacrifice, unity and an unshakeable commitment to the defence of the homeland. He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and the preparedness of its armed forces remained a decisive deterrent against enemy aggression.
Referring to recent tensions with India, the prime minister said, Pakistan had demonstrated its resolve by delivering a befitting response to aggression during Marka-i-Haq. He said that India had staged a false flag operation in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, targeting Pakistani civilians and mosques under that pretext. He said that Pakistan’s armed forces and nation stood united like Bunyanun Marsoos to thwart enemy designs and challenge its perceived military superiority.
PM Shehbaz also praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating that the armed forces displayed exceptional professionalism under his command. He also commended Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmad Babar and Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf for their exemplary performance.
The prime minister said Pakistan has no aggressive intentions against any country but retained the full right to defend itself. He warned that after facing setbacks in direct confrontation, hostile forces were now attempting to undermine Pakistan’s security through proxy elements, including Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan.
Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, while Fitna al Hindustan is a term designated by the state for terrorist organisations in Balochistan.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan remained determined to eliminate all such threats and their facilitators through continued operations, including Operation Bunyanun Marsoos and Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared and equipped with modern capabilities to defend every inch of the motherland. He urged the nation to renew its pledge for unity, stability, peace and progress and to continue working collectively for a strong, prosperous and dignified Pakistan.
