ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating the 28th anniversary of its successful nuclear tests, known as Youm-e-Takbeer, commemorating the historic day on May 28, 1998, when the nation established credible minimum deterrence in the hills of Chagai, Balochistan, in response to India’s nuclear tests.
Prime Minister’s Tribute and National Security Stance
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tributes to the key figures behind the nuclear program, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Samar Mubarakmand.
In his message to the nation, the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the nuclear deterrent:
- Deterrence Against Aggression: He stated that without nuclear capability, the adversary could have crossed all limits.
- The nuclear shield and the armed forces remain insurmountable barriers for the enemy.
- Countering Conspiracies: The PM referenced past Indian maneuvers, such as the “Pahlgam false flag conspiracy,” noting that the combined resolve of the nation and the military successfully thwarted hostile designs. He lauded the professional competence of Field Marshal Asim Munir in establishing a solid defense (Bunyan-e-Marsoos).
- Addressing Regional Challenges: PM Sharif raised concerns over the current Afghan regime acting as a facilitator for hostile elements.
- He noted that after facing defeat, the adversary is now backing proxies like Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.
- A Resolution for Defense: Warning adversaries against any miscalculation, the Prime Minister declared that the armed forces, equipped with modern weaponry, are fully committed to protecting every inch of the homeland. He assured the nation that the country’s defense is in iron hands and that all internal and external threats would be eliminated through Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq.
Armed Forces Reaffirm Strategic Resolve
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) conveyed congratulations from Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Air Chief, and the Naval Chief to the nation on this historic milestone.
The military leadership highlighted the following key points:
- Restoring Strategic Balance: The 1998 tests successfully restored the strategic balance of power in South Asia, serving as a symbol of national unity, resilience, and sovereignty.
- A Sacred Trust: Pakistan’s defensive and strategic capabilities are viewed as a sacred national trust, guaranteeing regional peace, stability, and territorial integrity.
- Honoring the Pioneers: The ISPR acknowledged that this historic achievement was made possible through the visionary leadership, the extraordinary contributions of scientists and engineers, and the ultimate sacrifices of the Pakistani people and the armed forces.
On this occasion, the nation stands united in gratitude, renewing its commitment to a secure, vigilant, and prosperous Pakistan.
