Youm-e-Takbeer: Pakistan celebrates silver jubilee of nuke tests
The nation is fervently celebrating Youm-e-Takbeer today (Sunday), which marks the historic day when Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests in the hills of Chaghai 25 years ago.
With the tests, Pakistan became the seventh nuclear-armed country in the world and the first in the Islamic world, reinforcing its writ in the region and restoring the balance of power.
Youm-e-Takbeer is considered a red-letter day in Pakistan’s history which ensured invincible defence capabilities and regional stability through power equilibrium.
‘Nukes acquisition indeed a remarkable achievement’: President Alvi
On the occassion, President Arif Alvi said that the acquisition of nuclear arms was “indeed a remarkable achievement” for Pakistan as it was inevitable to maintain the balance of power in the region.
Congratulating the nation for being a nuclear-armed country, he said that Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests in response to India’s declaration of possessing atomic warheads.
“The nation pays tribute to its renowned engineers and scientists who made Pakistan a nuclear power in a short span,” Alvi added.
‘No compromise on national defence’: PM Shehbaz
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the national defence and sovereignty were impregnable. He said that Youm-e-Takbeer was a clear declaration of “no compromise over country’s sovereignty, and defence”, and a reminder that the nation would not budge from any sacrifice to safeguard.
He said that the national defence, dignity and freedom are above everything to the nation and no one has the courage to take them away.
He urged the nation to move ahead with the same spirit as manifested on Youm-e-Takbir to attain economic sovereignty and self-dependence.
The prime minister paid tribute to the patriotism of the then prime minister, Nawaz Sharif — for conducting the nuclear tests despite all external pressures — and ex-premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto — who founded Pakistan’s nuclear programme.
The premier also lauded the services of Pakistan and Dr Abdul Qadir Khan and all scientists, engineers and individuals who contributed to achieving nuclear deterrence. He also expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and other brotherly countries that had helped Pakistan amid the economic sanctions imposed due to the atomic programme.
Army pays tribute to contributors of nuclear programme
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general also highlighted the importance of the day, saying that the armed forces pay rich tribute to the “brilliant minds who conceived and achieved” nuclear deterrence despite challenges.