Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a public holiday on Youm-e-Takbeer, falling on May 28 (tomorrow), to commemorate the historic day when Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests in the hills of Chaghai in 1998.
In a statement, PM Shehbaz said that Youm-e-Takbeer reminds the Pakistani nation of the unity needed to make the country’s defense invincible.
On this day, the premier said, the entire nation resolved to maintain the integrity of the country, vowing not to compromise on national defense under any external pressure.
“Youm-e-Takbeer reminds political and defense forces to unite under the green crescent flag to strengthen the country’s defense,” he added.
The premier said that Youm-e-Takbeer is a day to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Army for making Pakistan’s defense invincible.
“On this day, we also pay tribute to [former PM] Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating Pakistan’s nuclear program and to the scientists who played an important role in its development,” the premier added.
The premier said that the entire nation, including himself, pledges to work hard day and night to ensure the economic security of the country, just as they made its defense impregnable on May 28, 1998.
The nuclear tests
Pakistan’s nuclear tests not only demonstrated the nation’s resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty but also highlighted the desire to preserve strategic balance in South Asia.
India tested its “device” for the first time in 1974, which compelled Pakistan to expedite its nuclear program with renewed commitment.
Amid slogans of “Allah-o-Akbar,” Pakistan conducted its first test on May 28, 1998, at the Ras Koh hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan.
Pakistan is committed to promoting an environment of peace and stability in South Asia while preserving its capability 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. It adheres to the latest international standards on export controls and maintains the highest standards of nuclear safety and security.
