PM Shehbaz: Youm-i-Takbeer symbolizes Pakistan's strength, sovereignty, and national unity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hailed Youm-i-Takbeer as a pivotal moment in Pakistan's history, underscoring the nation's demonstration of resolve, unity, and courage in becoming a nuclear power. This achievement, he stated, restored the strategic balance in South Asia.

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Youm-i-Takbeer stands as a defining moment in Pakistan’s history when the nation demonstrated unwavering resolve, unity and courage by emerging as a nuclear power and restoring the strategic balance in South Asia.

Youm-i-Takbeer, celebrated on May 28, commemorates the historic day in 1998 when Pakistan conducted atomic tests in the Chagai hills of Balochistan, joining the ranks of nuclear-armed states. Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that these tests were a direct response to India's nuclear explosions, sending a clear message about Pakistan's commitment to its defense and sovereignty. He asserted that the day serves as proof of Pakistan's secure defense.

The prime minister extended his gratitude to all contributors to Pakistan's nuclear program, including former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, as well as national heroes Abdul Qadeer Khan and Samar Mubarakmand. He also acknowledged the vital roles played by scientists, engineers, armed forces personnel, and workers in making Pakistan's defense "impregnable."

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Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests on May 28, 1998 in response to India’s nuclear explosions, sending a clear message to the world that the country would never compromise on its defence and sovereignty.

Sharif contrasted India's nuclear tests, which he described as driven by "militaristic ambitions and expansionist designs," with Pakistan's response, characterized by "wisdom and determination" to thwart hostile intentions. He noted Nawaz Sharif's refusal to compromise on national independence and security despite facing international pressure, economic threats, and financial inducements. The prime minister stated that Youm-i-Takbeer embodies national dignity, sacrifice, unity, and an unwavering commitment to homeland defense, with Pakistan's nuclear capability serving as a decisive deterrent against aggression.

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India carried out nuclear tests driven by militaristic ambitions and expansionist designs, while Pakistan responded with wisdom and determination to foil hostile intentions.

Referencing recent tensions, Sharif mentioned Pakistan's "befitting response" during "Marka-i-Haq" after India allegedly staged a "false flag operation" in occupied Kashmir's Pahalgam, targeting Pakistani civilians and mosques. He praised the armed forces' unity and professionalism under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, as well as the performance of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Sharif affirmed Pakistan's defensive stance, stating the country has no aggressive intentions but reserves the right to self-defense. He warned of hostile forces attempting to undermine Pakistan's security through proxy elements like "Fitna al Khawarij" and "Fitna al Hindustan" after facing setbacks in direct confrontation.

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Pakistan has no aggressive intentions against any country but retained the full right to defend itself.