MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry emphasized the critical importance of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities while warning of regional instability during his Youm-e-Takbeer address.
Marking the anniversary of Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests, he stated these tests had effectively balanced power dynamics with India in the region.
AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating Pakistan’s nuclear program, which he said now serves as the nation’s ultimate defence.
However, he cautioned that with both Pakistan and India being nuclear powers, even a minor incident could escalate into catastrophic warfare threatening global security.
The president highlighted that South Asia’s peace hinges on resolving the Kashmir dispute, recalling three previous conventional wars between the neighbours over the territory.
AJK President warned any future conflict would likely turn nuclear with devastating consequences.
Calling for international intervention, Chaudhry urged the global community to facilitate Kashmir’s resolution according to UN resolutions.
He stressed that lasting peace requires including Kashmiri people in negotiations as primary stakeholders.
These remarks from the AJK President come amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Kashmir being the main issue between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
This address marked Youm-e-Takbeer, which marks Pakistan’s decisive nuclear tests conducted in response to the regional security threats after India became a nuclear power.
Chaudhry’s message highlighted both the strategic value of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, their role as a deterrent and the urgent need to seek solutions for solutions to prevent nuclear escalation in South Asia.
On May 28, 1998, Pakistan made history by successfully conducting nuclear tests under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s scientific guidance.
Although there was huge pressure from America to halt the tests, Mr Nawaz Sharif insisted on protecting Pakistan’s national interests.
The achievement of becoming the world’s seventh nuclear power and the first Islamic country with atomic energy was celebrated by all Pakistanis. Dr A.Q. Khan received Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, because of his important role.
Today, years later, Pakistan’s nuclear program continues to protect the country’s security and maintain strategic balance in the region, as seen in the recent Pakistan-India tensions.
The Youm-e-Takbeer holiday every year honors the tests launched in Chagai hills which are still significant for Pakistan’s past. Pakistan has nuclear weapons and uses them only to keep external threats at bay.
