Nation celebrates 'Youm-e-Takbeer' with patriotic zeal

Islamabad: "Youm-e-Takbeer" was celebrated with patriotic zeal today in remembrance of nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan on this day in 1998. 

On this day, Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power of the world and the first Muslim state having the nuclear arsenal in its defence stockpile.

The team of Pakistan's scientists led by founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, and Dr Samar Mubarakmand carried out nuclear tests in the RasKoh Hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan.

These tests demonstrated the resolve of the nation to safeguard Pakistan's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.

The historic statement of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that they would starve, but transform the country into a nuclear power, led to achievement of this milestone.

By resisting the mounting external pressures, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif went for taking the bold decision to test the Pakistani nukes in response to Indian nuclear tests and thus balancing the strategic slanting power in the region.

In this connection, seminars, rallies and flag-hoisting  ceremonies were held in different parts of the country. 

Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore today, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif made Pakistan invincible by conducting nuclear tests.

In their messages, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah have termed the 28th May as a symbol of nation's unwavering determination, courage and spirit of defending homeland. Rallies were also taken out in different parts of Karachi.

In Peshawar, addressing a ceremony in connection with the day, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Maqam paid rich tribute to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, nuclear scientists, armed forces and all those who contributed their valuable inputs to make Pakistan a first Islamic nuclear power of the world.

Like other parts of the country, people of Balochistan also celebrated Youm-e-Takbeer. Rallies were taken out from all districts of Balochistan.

In their messages on the Day, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan said Youm-e-Takbeer provides us with an opportunity to renew pledge of Pakistan’s defense and security.

Youm-e-Takbeer was also celebrated with national zeal across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A rally was taken out by Refugees Jammu & Kashmir and Pasban e Hurriayat. Addressing the rally, the speakers said that Pakistan is the defensive wall of the Muslim Ummah and is the only nuclear power among fifty-seven Muslim countries.