Youm-e-Takbeer to Be Observed Tomorrow, Marking Pakistan’s Nuclear Milestone

Islamabad: “Youm-e-Takbeer” will be fervently observed tomorrow (Wednesday) in remembrance of nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, which made the defence of the country invincible. It will be a public holiday tomorrow (Wednesday).

According to Radio Pakistan, on this day, Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation of the world and the first Muslim state having the nuclear arsenal in its defence stockpile. The team of Pakistan’s scientists led by the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Dr. Samar Mubarakmand conducted nuclear tests in the Ras Koh Hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan.

These tests demonstrated the resolve of the Pakistani nation to safeguard its territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty, while also preserving strategic balance in South Asia. The historic statement of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that they would starve, but transform the country into a nuclear power, was pivotal in achieving this milestone.

By resisting mounting external pressures, then Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made the bold decision to test the Pakistani nukes in response to Indian nuclear tests, thus balancing the strategic slanting power in the region. Pakistan remains committed to promoting an environment of peace and stability in South Asia, while preserving its capability to thwart aggression or adventurism in any form.