Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a public holiday on Youm-e-Takbeer, which falls on May 28 (tomorrow), to commemorate the momentous day when Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear testing in the hills of Chaghai in 1998.
In a statement, PM Shehbaz stated that the Youm-e-Takbeer reminded the Pakistani nation of the need of unity in ensuring the country’s defense.
On this day, the premier stated that the entire nation had committed for the sake of the country’s integrity that no compromise would be made on the country’s defense by giving in to any form of foreign pressure.
“Youm-e-Takbeer reminds political and defence forces to unite under one flag, the green crescent flag, to strengthen the defence of this country,” he stated.
The premier stated that Youm-e-Takbeer is a day to honour former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Army for making Pakistan’s defence unbreakable.
“On this day, we also pay tribute to [former PM] Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating Pakistan’s nuclear programme and the scientists who played an important role in its maintenance,” the prime minister stated.
The premier stated that the whole nation, including himself, has promised to work tirelessly day and night to safeguard the country’s economic security, just as they made the country’s defence impregnable on May 28, 1998.
The Nuclear testing
Pakistan’s nuclear tests indicated not only the country’s will to defend its territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty, but also its aim to maintain strategic balance in South Asia.
India tested its “device” for the first time in 1974, forcing Pakistan to restart its nuclear development with fresh determination.
Pakistan conducted its first test on May 28, 1998, near the Ras Koh hills in Balochistan’s Chaghai District, amid “Allah-o-Akbar” shouts.
Pakistan is dedicated to promoting a peaceful and stable environment in South Asia while maintaining its capabilities to deter aggression or adventurism in any form.
Islamabad is a partner in international efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime based on the principles of non-discrimination and equal security for all states, and it follows the most recent international export control standards while maintaining the highest levels of nuclear safety and security.
Maria Ghanchi