ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Youm-e-Takbeer was observed across the country on Thursday (May 28) to commemorate the 28th anniversary of Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests carried out in the mountains of Chagai in 1998, which rendered the nation’s defence impregnable.
Special ceremonies, prayers and events were held in major cities where political leaders addressed gatherings, paid tribute to the architects of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on Youm-e-Takbeer, said that exactly 28 years ago, May 28 proved to be the day of a great journey – a day that heralded as the guarantor of impregnable defence, independence and sovereignty.
He noted that following the 1971 dismemberment of Pakistan, India pursued the nuclear path and conducted its first test in 1974 near the Pakistani border. Pakistan, under Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, started its nuclear programme in direct response to Indian nuclear blackmail. He paid tribute to scientists, engineers, the armed forces and the architects of national institutions whose hard work made Pakistan the world’s seventh nuclear power.
The president also lauded the role of successive governments and recalled that during the May 1998 crisis, despite huge international pressure and economic sanctions, Pakistan’s political and military leadership took the right decision. He added that Youm-e-Takbeer revalidates Pakistan’s effective deterrence doctrine, which is indispensable for regional peace. He warned that any aggression would receive a full, immediate and devastating response.
“Youm-e-Takbeer revalidates our effective deterrence doctrine, which is indispensable to maintain regional peace and stability. The wars of present age, and future, are likely to consist of multi-domain operations, where, alongside nuclear deterrence, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones and modern technologies are deemed to play a decisive role. Pakistan’s armed forces have Al Hamd-o-Lillah equipped themselves with such expertise and professionalism related to all fields of battle and they have demonstrated their skills and capabilities during the Marka-e-Haq last year, the president said.
“Pakistan harbours no aggressive designs against anyone. We are a responsible and peace-loving nation as we respect international norms and laws. However, we reserve the right of self defence under Article 50 of UN charter. Exercising this right Pakistan last year gave a crushing blow to the Indian aggression during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. Our victory in Marka-e-Haq was the result of national unity, courage and professional excellence of our armed forces,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said Youm-e-Takbeer marks a defining moment when the entire nation demonstrated unwavering resolve, national unity and extraordinary courage by emerging as a nuclear power.
He said that in response to India’s nuclear tests, Pakistan successfully conducted its own tests on May 28, 1998, restoring strategic balance in South Asia. He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the resolute decision-making of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and national heroes Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr Samar Mubarakmand. He also saluted the armed forces and scientists.
The prime minister further noted that following the enemy’s humiliating defeat in ‘Marka-e-Haq’, hostile elements have resorted to proxies such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, but Pakistan remains firmly committed to eliminating these threats through Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq.
“Youm-e-Takbeer is not merely a remembrance of nuclear tests; it symbolizes national self-respect, unity, sacrifice and the unshakeable commitment to the defence of the homeland. By consistently advancing Pakistan’s nuclear programme, our predecessors proved that nothing is more important than national honour and security. Had Pakistan not become a nuclear power, the enemy could have pursued its malicious designs without restraint. Pakistan’s strong nuclear deterrence, coupled with the preparedness and resolve of its Armed Forces, remains a decisive barrier against hostile ambitions,” the prime minister said.
“Through our resolute response to enemy aggression during Marka-e-Haq, we have once again demonstrated our unwavering determination. India staged the Pahalgam false flag operation as part of its worn-out conspiracy and used it as a pretext to attack Pakistani civilians and mosques. However, our Armed Forces and the nation stood united like Bunyan-um-Marsoos, not only defeating the enemy’s objectives but also shattering its arrogance regarding military and numerical superiority.”
The prime minister said under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and the Chiefs of the Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our Armed Forces displayed exemplary professionalism and operational excellence. The remarkable leadership of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf further reinforced Pakistan’s strength and valour in the face of aggression.
“We have made it unequivocally clear to the world that Pakistan harbours no aggressive intentions; however, we fully reserve the right to defend our homeland,” Shehbaz said.
Following its humiliating defeat in Maarka-e-Haq, the enemy has resorted to indirect means to undermine Pakistan’s security. Through proxies such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, hostile elements continue to pursue their nefarious agenda, with facilitation from the Afghan regime. Pakistan remains firmly committed to eliminating these threats at their roots.
Just as Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos delivered a crushing defeat to our eternal enemy, Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq will eradicate all such hostile networks and their facilitators.
The enemy must harbour no illusions: Pakistan’s brave Armed Forces, equipped with the most modern capabilities, remain fully prepared to defend every inch of the motherland.
The nation will forever remain grateful to these heroes and benefactors.
“On this occasion, let us renew our pledge to remain united for the peace, progress, stability and security of our beloved country to confront every internal and external conspiracy with determination; and to dedicate all our energies and resources towards making Pakistan a strong, prosperous, and dignified Forces,” he said.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in his message to the nation, said May 28 symbolizes national pride, sovereignty and defensive strength. He said Youm-e-Takbeer is a shining symbol of national unity, sacrifice and determination. He paid rich tribute to former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundation of the nuclear programme, and to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for safeguarding Pakistan’s strategic capabilities during a critical phase. He also acknowledged the role of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the historic decision to conduct the tests on May 28, 1998.
Chief of Army Staff and Chief Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the armed forces, extended heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer. They said this defining milestone symbolises the nation’s unity, resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honour.
The statement said Pakistan’s strategic capability remains a sacred national trust and a guarantor of peace, stability, territorial integrity and credible deterrence in the region.
It said the Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats and remain committed to ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the nation.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that Youm-e-Takbeer is a historic day when Nawaz Sharif prioritised Pakistan’s defence and sovereignty despite global pressure, sanctions and threats. He recalled the words of former president Muhammad Rafiq Tarar, who on May 28, 1998, said with tears of joy: “Today, Pakistan has secured its defence, dignity, and freedom forever.”
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, addressing a ceremony in Rawalpindi, said that on May 28, 1998, Pakistan not only established a balance of power in South Asia but also became the first nuclear power of the Islamic world, making national security impregnable. MPs Tahira Aurangzeb, Sardar Naseem Ahmed, Haji Pervaiz Khan and Rahat Qadusi were also present.
Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said Youm-e-Takbeer is a symbol of national dignity, sovereignty and impregnable defence resolve, adding that the mountains of Chagai still bear witness to the nation’s unity, courage, and self-reliant leadership.
Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said May 28, 1998, is a symbol of Pakistan’s sovereignty and impregnable defence, and a decisive day in the country’s history. He noted that the then-government under Nawaz Sharif made a historic decision by prioritising national interest, and that the late Benazir Bhutto also played a significant role in strengthening the nuclear programme.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said May 28, 1998, is a historic and decisive day when Pakistan made its defence impregnable through successful nuclear tests. He said that under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, prioritising national interest, that historic decision was made.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, addressing a ceremony in Rawalpindi, said Youm-e-Takbeer is a great and golden day when the nation, under the courageous leadership of Nawaz Sharif, carried out nuclear tests, making clear to the world that Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, integrity, and national dignity.
Former senator Chaudhry Tanveer Khan, MPA Ziaullah Shah, Osama Tanveer, and a large number of PMLN workers were present.
