ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Youm-e-Takbeer (28 May) remains a powerful symbol of national unity, unwavering resolve, and collective strength.
He emphasized that it reflects Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its independence while ensuring peace and strategic stability in the region.
Youm-i-Takbeer commemorates May 28, 1998, when Pakistan became a nuclear power following atomic tests conducted in the Chagai Hills of Balochistan.
Sharif, in his message shared on X on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, said, “28 May 1998 was a defining moment in our national history - a day when Pakistan demonstrated to the world that it would never compromise on its sovereignty, security, dignity, or right to self-defence.”
“As we commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer today, we pay glowing tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and to Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, whose bold, courageous, and resolute leadership in May 1998 transformed that vision into reality despite immense international pressure.”
‘Symbol of national unity’
Sharif said, “We also honour Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Dr. Samar Mubarakmand and the countless brilliant scientists, engineers, valiant armed forces personnel, and all those associated with the nuclear programme, whose dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment made Pakistan’s defence invincible.”
The prime minister said, “Youm-e-Takbeer remains a symbol of national unity, unwavering resolve, and the collective strength of all elements of national power in safeguarding Pakistan’s independence while ensuring peace and strategic stability in the region.”
“On this historic day, let us renew our pledge to build a strong, prosperous, united, and self-reliant Pakistan founded on faith, unity, and discipline,” he said.
Effective deterrence doctrine
In a separate message shared on X, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said, “Youm-e-Takbeer revalidates our effective deterrence doctrine, which is indispensable to maintain regional peace and stability.”
He said, “The wars of present age, and future, are likely to consist of multi-domain operations, where, alongside nuclear deterrence, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones and modern technologies are deemed to play a decisive role.”
The president said, “Pakistan’s armed forces have Al Hamd-o-Lillah equipped themselves with such expertise and professionalism related to all fields of battle and they have demonstrated their skills and capabilities during the Marka-e-Haq last year.”
‘Responsible and peace loving’
He said, “Pakistan harbours no aggressive designs against anyone. We are a responsible and peace-loving nation as we respect international norms and laws.”
President Zardari said, “We reserve the right of self defence under Article 50 of UN charter.”
“Exercising this right Pakistan last year gave a crushing blow to the Indian aggression during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.”
“Our victory in Marka-e-Haq was the result of national unity, courage and professional excellence of our armed forces,” he said.
'Unwavering resolve'
On the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS and CDF, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, on behalf of Armed Forces of Pakistan, extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan, said a statement released by Pakistan military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.
Youm-e-Takbeer, "symbolizes the nation’s unity, resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honour," the statement said.
"The Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats and remain committed to ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the nation," the press release said.
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