Pakistan is the seventh nuclear nation and the first Muslim state with nuclear capability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left), President Asif Ali Zardari (center), Civil Defense Force Marshal Asim Munir (right)
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their messages on Youm-e-Takbeer on Thursday, reiterated that Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving nation that respects international laws and norms, Radio Pakistan reported.
The President, in his message, said the nuclear tests carried out 28 years ago established Pakistan’s deterrence capability and made the country the seventh nuclear power in the world.
Paying tribute to scientists, engineers and armed forces, he said their dedication, professionalism and patriotism had enabled Pakistan to achieve a historic milestone.
He also recognized the role of national leaders and institutions in strengthening the country’s strategic capacities.
The Prime Minister, in his message, said that the day is a testimony to the fact that the defense of Pakistan, envisioned by Allama Muhammad Iqbal and materialized by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, remains in strong and capable hands.
Describing Youm-e-Takbeer as more than just a souvenir of the nuclear tests, he said it symbolized national dignity, sacrifice, unity and an unwavering commitment to defense of the homeland.
He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and preparedness of its armed forces remain a decisive deterrent against enemy aggression.
Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Army Staff Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, extended sincere congratulations to the proud people of Pakistan on the occasion of the 28th anniversary from Youm-e-Takbeer.
They said the milestone symbolized the nation’s unity, resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honor.
The statement said Pakistan’s strategic capability remains a sacred national trust and a guarantor of peace, stability, territorial integrity and credible deterrence in the region.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the homeland against all threats and remain committed to ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the nation.
Read: In pictures: Muslims around the world celebrate Eidoul Azha
Youm-e-Takbeer is celebrated today in remembrance of the nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on May 28, 1998, which made the country’s defense invincible.
On that day, Pakistan became the world’s seventh nuclear nation and the first Muslim state to possess a nuclear arsenal in its defense stockpile.
The team of Pakistani scientists, led by the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear program, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, carried out the nuclear tests in the RasKoh hills of Chaghai district of Balochistan.
These tests not only demonstrated the determination of the Pakistani nation to safeguard the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Pakistan, but also reflected the desire to preserve the strategic balance in South Asia.
Resisting growing external pressure, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif made the decision to test Pakistani nuclear weapons in response to Indian nuclear tests, thereby balancing the strategic equation of power in the region.
Pakistan is committed to promoting an environment of peace and stability in South Asia, while preserving its capacity to thwart any form of aggression or adventurism.
