The country celebrated Youm-e-Takbeer, the anniversary of Pakistan’s historic nuclear tests, with great enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to making the nation stronger, just as it demonstrated 25 years ago. The occasion served as a tribute to the political and military leadership of that time for their wise decision, and to the scientists, engineers, and all those involved in Pakistan’s nuclear program.
On May 28, 1998, amidst fervent chants of “Allah-o-Akbar,” Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests at the Ras Koh hills in Balochistan’s Chaghai district. These tests were a direct response to India’s nuclear tests conducted two weeks prior. Today, Youm-e-Takbeer is celebrated nationwide as a day of national pride and gratitude, marking Pakistan’s status as the world’s seventh nuclear power and the first Muslim state to achieve this milestone.
President Arif Alvi extended his felicitations to the nation on the silver jubilee of the tests. He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear capability was essential for maintaining regional power equilibrium. The president commended the political and military leadership of that time for their wisdom in making the decision to pursue nuclear tests. Alvi called upon the nation to pledge towards strengthening Pakistan by investing in intellectual development and bolstering cyber-security to ensure national defense.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter to commemorate the day, noting that 25 years ago, Pakistan set a redline for defense and established rules of the game for peace and stability in the region. He acknowledged the hard work, commitment, and determination exhibited by the political and military leadership, as well as the scientists and engineers, who safeguarded the country’s independence from physical threats.
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb congratulated all Pakistanis, both at home and abroad while expressing gratitude to friends and benefactors. She highlighted that Youm-e-Takbeer symbolized Pakistan’s invincible defense. National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani also extended their congratulations, emphasizing that the nuclear tests had made the country’s defense impenetrable.
On this significant occasion, the armed forces of Pakistan paid homage to the brilliant minds behind the conception and accomplishment of the nuclear tests, despite daunting challenges, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The entire nation celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Youm-e-Takbeer, recognizing the remarkable achievement of establishing credible minimum deterrence, which reshaped the power dynamics in the region.