The federal government has declared May 28, Youm-e-Takbeer Day, a public holiday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that this day serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity and the invincibility of its national defense.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that Youm-e-Takbeer symbolizes the unification of political and defense forces under the green crescent flag to fortify the nation’s defense. He added that the day serves as a reminder to renew our commitment to thwart both external and internal threats, including those who seek to destabilize the country through chaotic politics.
The PM stated that May 28, Youm-e-Takbeer, is a day to honor former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Army for their efforts in making the nation’s defense impregnable. Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the scientists who were instrumental in starting and advancing Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s nuclear program for Pakistan.
Youm-e-Takbeer is celebrated annually in Pakistan to commemorate the Chagai-I and Chagai-II nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998. These tests established Pakistan as the seventh nation in the world and the first in the Muslim world to possess nuclear weapons. The successful tests are seen as a pivotal moment in making the country’s defense impenetrable.
The observance of Youm-e-Takbeer this year will be marked with fervor, reflecting on the significance of the nuclear tests that fortified the country’s defense capabilities. The day signifies Pakistan’s entry into the league of nuclear-armed nations, providing a powerful deterrent aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region.
The journey to becoming a nuclear power was rooted in the vision of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who famously declared that Pakistan would endure great hardships to achieve nuclear capability. This determination was realized under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who made the resolute decision to conduct the nuclear tests despite significant external pressure. His decision was instrumental in balancing the strategic power dynamics in the region.
Thus, Youm-e-Takbeer is not just a day of celebration but also a reminder of the steadfast resolve and unity that enabled Pakistan to achieve this significant milestone in its defense history. The nation remembers and honors the bold decisions and the relentless pursuit of a vision that ensured its security and strategic stability.
