- Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests in 1998.
- The country became the seventh country in the world with nuclear weapons.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz, Acting President and CJCSC congratulate the nation.
The nation today (Tuesday) celebrates the 26th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer with zeal and fervor in remembrance of the successful nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan in the Chaghai Hills.
Pakistan, with successful nuclear tests, became the seventh country in the world with nuclear weapons and the first in the Islamic world.
The nuclear tests not only demonstrated Pakistan's determination to safeguard the country's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty, but also the desire to preserve the strategic balance in South Asia.
On the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani and service chiefs congratulated the country.
Day symbolizes collective effort of national power: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the people of Pakistan and said that the day symbolizes the collective effort of all facets of national power, overcoming what seemed an insurmountable challenge and achieving a milestone in the country's defense capabilities.
“May 28 means more than the mere commemoration of a day; sums up the narrative of our nation's arduous but remarkable path toward establishing a credible minimum deterrence,” the prime minister wrote in X.
The Prime Minister said Nawaz Sharif, on this historic day in 1998, demonstrated bold leadership by rejecting heartbreaking pressures and incentives to make Pakistan a nuclear-armed nation.
“I also pay tribute to Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme, for his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to the cause,” the prime minister said.
'Transcendental occasion'
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the service chiefs, on behalf of the armed forces, extended warm congratulations to the nation.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this momentous occasion commemorates the historic achievement of Pakistan's nuclear tests in 1998, which successfully established a credible minimum deterrence and restored the balance of power in the region.
The armed forces and the nation pay tribute to the unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifices of all those who contributed to this remarkable feat, achieved against overwhelming odds, the statement said.
Youm-e-Takbeer, testimony to the nation's resilience
Interim President Gilani, in his message that day, reiterated the determination to continue working for a peaceful and stable world.
He said Pakistan demonstrated nuclear capabilities and joined the ranks of nuclear powers on this day, adding that Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a testimony to our nation's resilience, unwavering determination and commitment to maintain peace and regional stability.
He said Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, strongly believes in peaceful resolution of conflicts.
