Pakistanis paid rich tribute to political leadership, scientists, engineers, and the armed forces for their dedication and commitment on the occasion of the twenty-seventh anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer – a day when Pakistan demonstrated nuclear capabilities and established strategic deterrence in the South Asian region.
In his message on Youm-e-Takbeer, President Asif Ali Zardari said that becoming a nuclear power was not merely a demonstration of the country’s technological advancement, it was a calculated decision to ensure peace through strength, to maintain the strategic balance in South Asia, and to protect the nation against any external aggression.
He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability amid current evolving regional security situation continued to serve as a credible minimum deterrent that guarantees peace and ensures that no one could undermine the country’s sovereignty and national security. “Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a reminder of Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the motherland,” he said.
“We also pay tribute to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear program, which made the country’s defens impregnable. We also acknowledge the role of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, whose stewardship further advanced and strengthened our nuclear program,” he said, and underlined that Pakistan does not seek conflict and was committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for international law.
In the face of recent unprovoked Indian aggression, the president said that Pakistan demonstrated its strategic patience and commitment to peace. “Our calibrated response, under Bunyanum Marsoos operation, was measured and effective, which forced the enemy to cease its hostile actions.” He urged the nation to renew its pledge while commemorating Youm-e-Takbeer to uphold and safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
Shehbaz Sharif urges nation to carry spirit of Youm-e-Takbeer beyond defense and into economic transformation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed Pakistan’s nuclear journey and called for renewed unity and determination to transform the country into an economic power. “Today on Youm-e-Takbeer, I thank Almighty Allah and congratulate from the core of my heart the entire nation and all patriotic Pakistanis.” He said that Youm-e-Takbeer was a solemn reminder of Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.
He linked this year’s commemoration with what he described as Pakistan’s recent success in defending itself from an unjustified war imposed by India. He hailed the nation’s spirit during the May 6–10 confrontation, saying joys of Youm-e-Takbeer have further increased for a nation filled with victory. On nuclear tests, conducted under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, he noted the decision to respond with six nuclear tests, compared to India’s five, was a demonstration of iron resolve in the face of global pressure and sanctions.
“Mr Nawaz Sharif represented aspirations and national interests of the entire nation… and made our geographical borders impregnable forever,” the prime minister said, and paid glowing tribute to the architects of Pakistan’s nuclear program, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the scientific community, and the armed forces for their role in establishing Pakistan’s deterrent capability. He lauded the public for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout the journey.
“I salute the nation, which made immense sacrifices for the completion of the nuclear program and wrote a proud story of its determination and faith.” Drawing parallels between the historic journey of Pakistan’s nuclear program and the formation of Pakistan itself, he invoked the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and said that the people and political leadership of Pakistan have always made the impossible possible.
Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to carry the spirit of Youm-e-Takbeer beyond defense and into economic transformation. “Youm-e-Takbeer is a day of unity of the nation and declaration of non-compromise on its freedom and sovereignty,” he said. “Today we pledge to make Pakistan an economic power and achieve its true place in the world. Long live Pakistan,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif reminds nation about background of Youm-e-Takbeer before and after nuke tests
Nawaz Sharif reminded the nation about the historic background of the Youm-e-Takbeer. On May 11, 1998, India with its nuclear tests had disturbed the balance of power in the South Asian region. He said that there was a surge in India’s aggressive designs and showed its intentions to send its military – armed with the nuclear weapons – to Azad Jammu Kashmir.
“Under such nerve-wracking situation, we started consultation to cope with India’s threats and faced the international pressure mounting on Pakistan, asking us not to conduct the nuclear tests,” he said. Keeping the national interest in sight, “we took the decision and on May 28, 1998 Pakistan became a nuclear power,” he said. After conducting nuclear tests, he said that Pakistan’s defense became impregnable and enemies could not dare to look towards it with aggressive intentions.
In his address to the nation over television and radio on May 28, 1998, Nawaz Sharif announced that Pakistan has successfully carried out nuclear tests. He said that these tests had become imperative keeping in view Indian nuclear tests and threats to Pakistan’s security. He said that Pakistan expressed maximum restraint in the face of India’s nuclear threats but the world reaction over Indian aggressive postures was lukewarm.
He said that India was not punished for using the nuclear options which endangered peace and security in the region. “In face of Indian threats, we have chosen the path of dignity and honor,” he said, and added that the nation would make every sacrifice and uphold its dignity in this hour of trial. He said that his government has decided to adopt massive austerity measures and simplicity to meet the challenges ahead.
During his speech, Nawaz Sharif appreciated support extended by friendly countries in the face of Indian threats and its nuclear option. He particularly mentioned the support of China – Pakistan’s great friend – for its steadfast support. The announcement of testing nuclear device was enthusiastically welcomed by people all over the country. Pakistanis in and around the globe heard this news with jubilation.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani said that May 28, 1998 — Youm-e-Takbeer — stands as a golden chapter in Pakistan’s defense history, symbolizing the nation’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty and security. He paid tribute to the visionary leadership that laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear capability. “This historic journey was initiated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose foresight and strategic direction led to the realization of this national achievement in 1998.”
He lauded the pivotal role of Benazir Bhutto, acknowledging her steadfast commitment to her father’s nuclear vision. “As prime minister, she fully supported the nuclear program, provided every possible facilitation to our scientists, and prioritized the national interest despite immense international pressure. Her contributions will forever be etched in golden words in our national history,” he said, and extended his salutations to the current leadership, the armed forces, scientists, and the resilient Pakistanis.
He emphasized that Youm-e-Takbeer reminds the nation that unity was the key to overcoming any challenge. “This day not only fills us with pride but also renews our collective resolve to never compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, national security, and defense,” he said, and stressed the need to educate the youth about the peaceful nature of Pakistan’s nuclear program. “Our nuclear capability is purely defensive. As we are proponents of peace, we are capable of responding decisively to any aggression.”
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also extended heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the Youm-e-Takbeer, terming May 28 as a pivotal and historic chapter in Pakistan’s history. He said the nuclear tests conducted in Chaghi in 1998 marked a watershed moment in the country’s journey towards strategic autonomy, national dignity, and technological excellence. He said that the day stands as a testament to the nation’s unity, confidence and resolve.
He paid heartfelt tribute to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, whose visionary leadership, unwavering commitment and relentless efforts elevated Pakistan to the status of the first nuclear power in the Muslim world and the seventh globally. He underscored that it was Mian Nawaz Sharif’s courageous decision to execute the nuclear tests despite pressure and made Pakistan’s defense truly impregnable.
The armed forces, along with Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman and services chiefs, also extended heartfelt felicitations to the Pakistanis on the Youm-e-Takbeer. According to an ISPR news release, Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates momentous occasion when historic achievement epitomizes the nation’s resolve, unity, and unwavering pursuit of a dignified and peaceful existence. “Pakistan’s strategic capability is a national trust, reflecting the collective aspirations of its people.”
It said that the commemoration of Youm-e-Takbeer was a tribute to the foresight of visionary leadership, the brilliance of scientists and engineers, and the countless contributions of all those who rendered Pakistan’s defense unassailable. It said that this day underscores Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It affirms Pakistan’s doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, rooted in the principle of maintaining peace and strategic stability in the region.
“Our armed forces reiterate their unflinching resolve to defend the motherland against all threats across the full spectrum of conflict. As responsible custodians of the nation’s strategic assets, we reaffirm that our nuclear capability remains solely for defensive purposes and stands as a guarantor of peace,” ISPR stated. “Let this day renew our collective pledge to remain vigilant, united, and resolute in our commitment to the security, progress, and prosperity of our beloved homeland.”
