Youm-i-Takbeer marks a joint effort by all branches of the national government, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the nation’s nuclear power on Tuesday.
“May 28 is not just a day to remember; “It includes an explanation of our nation’s difficult but remarkable journey to establish a minimum trust.”
Youm-i-Takbeer was observed on May 28, 1998, the day Pakistan became a nuclear power after an atomic test in Balochistan’s Chagai Mountains. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first Muslim country to have a nuclear arsenal.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a national holiday on Tuesday (today) to mark the day.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the “courageous leadership” of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his tenure and rejected the pressure and reason to make Pakistan a nuclear weapon state.
For years, the PML-N claimed that it was offered billions of dollars by the US government to stop its nuclear program. But the party said it was “absolutely fine” with the proposal.
“I also pay tribute to Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear program, for his strategic vision and unwavering commitment to the cause,” he said.
The prime minister said the country had overcome what appeared to be “insurmountable challenges” by reaching important milestones in its defense capabilities.
Interim President Gilani said that Youm-i-Takbeer is “proof of our nation’s stability and unwavering determination and commitment to maintain peace and stability in the region”.
In a statement shared with the House of Representatives, he described the day as “the most important moment in our history.” He admitted that “the transition to nuclear power is not a problem.”
“Our leaders and scientists have overcome many challenges to achieve this remarkable achievement,” he said. The interim president acknowledged the hard work of scientists and engineers, “without whom this success would not have been possible.”
Gilani pointed to Bhutto’s “efforts to turn Pakistan into a nuclear power” and praised former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s “decision to support Mian Nawaz Sharif as the leader of the opposition and then for the nuclear test”.
It is also a collective definition of our civilian and military leadership, as well as our scientific knowledge that drives the country forward.
“As a responsible nuclear power, Pakistan strongly believes in the peaceful resolution of conflicts. “We also ensure adherence to international standards and have implemented strict controls and comprehensive security measures to protect our nuclear assets.”
In a statement, Inter Services Public Relations said the armed forces paid tribute to the “unrelenting commitment and sacrifice against the odds of all those who contributed to this remarkable achievement”.
The military’s press wing said the armed forces reaffirmed their “unwavering determination to defend the country, protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure the country’s security at all times and at any cost.”
