Pakistan Celebrates 27 Years as a Nuclear Power on Youm-e-Takbeer; President and PM Congratulate Nation
Islamabad:Pakistan marked the 27th anniversary of its historic nuclear tests on Tuesday, celebrating *Youm-e-Takbeer* with patriotic fervor and national pride. The day commemorates Pakistan’s successful nuclear detonations conducted on May 28, 1998, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in response to Indian nuclear tests earlier that month.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued special messages to congratulate the nation on this significant day, which symbolizes Pakistan’s emergence as the world’s seventh nuclear power and the first in the Muslim world.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said:
> “Pakistan celebrates Youm-e-Takbeer this year at a historic moment. From May 6 to May 10, the nation once again triumphed against unjust aggression. This year’s celebration is filled with even deeper national pride.”
He further praised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for defying international pressure, economic sanctions, and threats to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty:
> “By conducting six nuclear tests in response to India’s five, Nawaz Sharif fulfilled the aspirations of the nation and made Pakistan’s defense invincible.”
The Prime Minister also saluted national heroes including former PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the armed forces, scientists, and engineers for their roles in developing Pakistan’s nuclear capability.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said:
> “Youm-e-Takbeer is the day when Pakistan demonstrated its strategic strength. It’s a celebration of our commitment to national sovereignty and regional integrity.”
He paid tribute to the late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear program and highlighted the peaceful intention behind the nuclear capability:
> “Becoming a nuclear power was not just a technological milestone, it was a strategic decision to ensure peace through strength.”
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s policy of minimum credible deterrence and underscored that the country remains committed to peaceful coexistence and international norms:
> “Pakistan does not seek war. We remain committed to peace and respect for international law.”
The day was observed as a public holiday across the country with special events, ceremonies, and tributes to national defense forces. The armed forces were also honored for their continuous commitment to protecting the country’s nuclear assets and maintaining strategic deterrence.
As *Youm-e-Takbeer* echoes once again with the enduring call of “Allahu Akbar” from the mountains of Chagai, the nation renews its pledge to uphold sovereignty, unity, and peace.
**Pakistan Zindabad.**
