Pakistan reaffirms commitment to sovereignty on Youm-e-Takbeer

Islamabad: Pakistan commemorated the 27th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer on Tuesday with renewed pledges from the country’s civil and military leadership to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and strategic interests.

Marking the day when Pakistan conducted its historic nuclear tests in 1998, leaders emphasized the continued importance of the country’s nuclear capability as a credible minimum deterrent and a guarantor of peace and stability in the region.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the nation in celebrating this milestone, hailing it as a symbol of national resilience, unity, and unwavering resolve.

In his message to the nation, President Zardari stated, "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 added that the day was a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s enduring commitment to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The president stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear capability continues to serve as a "credible minimum deterrent" amid evolving regional security dynamics. He noted that the achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of scientists, engineers, and both the civil and military leadership.

He paid particular tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundations of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and Benazir Bhutto, whose leadership, he said, played a crucial role in advancing the country’s strategic capability. "We also pay tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, which made the country’s defence impregnable," he said.

President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s preference for peace and peaceful coexistence, reiterating the country’s commitment to international law and diplomacy. "Pakistan does not seek conflict and is committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for international law," he said.

Referring to recent tensions with India, President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s strategic patience and peaceful approach. "In the face of recent unprovoked Indian aggression, Pakistan demonstrated its strategic patience and commitment to peace. Our calibrated response, under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, was measured and effective, which forced the enemy to cease its hostile actions," he said.

The president concluded his message with a call for national unity. "On this day, let us renew our pledge to uphold and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," he urged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also delivered a heartfelt address, linking the significance of Youm-e-Takbeer to Pakistan’s broader national aspirations. He thanked Allah and extended congratulations to the people of Pakistan, describing the occasion as one of immense pride and historic importance.

“Today on Youm-e-Takbeer, I thank Allah Almighty and congratulate from the core of my heart the entire nation and all patriotic Pakistanis,” he said.

Reflecting on the events of May 28, 1998, the prime minister noted that Pakistan had become the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first among Muslim nations. He emphasized that the decision to conduct six nuclear tests in response to India’s five was a demonstration of Pakistan’s resolve, especially under immense international pressure.

“The decision made by then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif was a demonstration of iron resolve in the face of global pressure and sanctions,” PM Shehbaz said.

He paid tribute to all those who contributed to the development of Pakistan’s nuclear programme — including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the scientific community, and the armed forces — and praised the Pakistani public for their unyielding support.

“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 said.

Drawing parallels between the nuclear journey and the struggle for Pakistan’s independence, PM Shehbaz invoked the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and said national history proved that the people of Pakistan were capable of achieving the impossible.

He further called on the nation to channel the spirit of Youm-e-Takbeer into economic development. “Today we pledge to make Pakistan an economic power and achieve its true place in the world. Insha Allah. Long live Pakistan,” he concluded.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan also extended congratulations to the nation on the anniversary. In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military described Youm-e-Takbeer as a "momentous occasion" that restored strategic balance in South Asia and asserted Pakistan’s right to self-defence.

“This historic achievement epitomises the nation’s resolve, unity, and unwavering pursuit of a dignified and peaceful existence,” the statement said.

The ISPR stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is a "national trust" that reflects the aspirations of its people and stands as a guarantor of peace, rooted in the principle of credible minimum deterrence.

The military reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to defend the nation 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,” the statement noted.

“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 statement added.

The Foreign Office also marked the day with a statement reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defend its sovereignty and independence against any threat or act of aggression.

"We remain resolute in our dedication to promoting peace and stability — both in the region and beyond — through collective strength and unity," the Foreign Office said.

Youm-e-Takbeer, observed annually on May 28, marks the day in 1998 when Pakistan conducted six nuclear tests in the Chagai Hills of Balochistan in response to India’s nuclear tests earlier that month. The tests established Pakistan as a declared nuclear power and reshaped the strategic landscape of South Asia.