ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Youm-e-Takbeer is being observed in Pakistan today in remembrance of the nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, which made the defence of the country invincible.
Several years ago on this day, Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation in the world and the first Muslim state to possess nuclear capability in its defence stockpile.
Pakistani scientists, led by the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr Samar Mubarakmand, carried out nuclear tests in the Ras Koh Hills in the Chagai district of Balochistan.
These tests not only demonstrated the resolve of the Pakistani nation to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty, but also the desire to preserve strategic balance in South Asia.
The historic resolve of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that they would starve, but transform the country into a nuclear power, led to the achievement of this milestone.
Youm-e-Takbeer
Pakistan’s then PM Nawaz Sharif resisted mounting external pressures and took the bold decision to conduct nuclear tests in response to Indian nuclear tests, thus restoring strategic balance in the region.
Pakistan is committed to the promotion of an environment of peace and stability in South Asia region, while preserving its capability to deter aggression or adventurism in any form.
On this occasion, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, on behalf of Armed Forces of Pakistan, extend heartfelt felicitations to the proud people of Pakistan.
According to the ISPR, Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the historic achievement of 28 May 1998, when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power and restored the strategic balance in South Asia.
