Youm-e-Takbeer: PM, president reaffirm resolve to protect sovereignty, integrity

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as the nation marks the 27th anniversary of its nuclear tests.

In response to India’s nuclear test, conducted in May 1998 in Rajasthan, Pakistan carried out underground nuclear tests on May 28 1998, in the Chagai District of Balochistan, marking the country's first public demonstration of its nuclear weapons capability.

Pakistan became the seventh nation in the world, and the first Muslim-majority country, to possess nuclear arms.

On May 10, 1998, two days after the initial test, Pakistan conducted another nuclear test, known as Chagai-II.

On the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, President Zardari stated that amid the evolving regional security situation, Pakistan’s nuclear capability continues to serve as a credible minimum deterrent, one that guarantees peace and ensures that no one can compromise the country’s sovereignty and national security.

“On this momentous occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the entire nation. Today, we observe the 27th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, a day when we demonstrated our nuclear capabilities and established strategic deterrence,” he said.

“This day serves as a reminder of our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our beloved country,” he added.

The president underscored that the nation, on this day, pays rich tribute to the scientists, engineers, and the civil and military leadership whose dedication and commitment made this achievement possible.

“We also pay tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, which made the country’s defence impregnable. We also acknowledge the role of Benazir Bhutto, whose stewardship further advanced and strengthened our nuclear programme,” he said.

Referring to the recent Indian aggression, the president stated that Pakistan had shown strategic patience and reaffirmed its firm commitment to peace.

“Our calibrated response, under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, was measured and effective, which forced the enemy to cease its hostile actions,” President Zardari added.

PM Shehbaz also hailed Pakistan's nuclear journey and urged the nation to come together with renewed resolve to turn the country into an economic power.

In his message to commemorate May 28, the prime minister thanked Allah Almighty and congratulated the people of Pakistan. He said: “Today on Youm-e-Takbeer, I thank Allah Almighty and congratulate from the core of my heart the entire nation and all patriotic Pakistanis.”

PM Shehbaz 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, stating: “The joys of Youm-e-Takbeer have further increased for a nation filled with victory.”

Reflecting on the historic nuclear tests of May 28, 1998, conducted under the leadership of then-prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister stated that the decision to respond with six nuclear tests, compared to India’s five, demonstrated an "iron resolve" in the face of global pressure and sanctions.

“I salute the nation, which made immense sacrifices for the completion of the nuclear programme and wrote a proud story of its determination and faith,” he added.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Services Chiefs (CJCSC), also extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan.

“Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the momentous occasion in 1998 when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power—restoring the strategic balance in South Asia and asserting its sovereign right to self-defence. This historic achievement epitomizes the nation’s resolve, unity, and unwavering pursuit of a dignified and peaceful existence,” Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said in a statement.

The military’s media wing stated that Pakistan’s strategic capability is a national trust, reflecting the collective aspirations of its people. The commemoration of Youm-e-Takbeer is a tribute to the foresight of visionary leadership, the brilliance of our scientists and engineers, and the countless contributions of all those who have made Pakistan’s defence unassailable.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterate their unwavering 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", said the ISPR.

“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.

“The armed forces stand in solidarity with the nation, honouring the sacrifices that made this milestone possible and continuing the journey toward strength, stability, and self-reliance,” the military’s media wing maintained.