President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Pakistan\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity as the nation observed the 27th anniversary of its nuclear tests. In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, the president stated that Pakistan\u2019s nuclear capability, amid the current evolving regional security situation, continues to serve as a credible minimum deterrent that guarantees our peace and ensures that no one can undermine the country\u2019s sovereignty and national security. President Zardari said: “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 \u2014 a day when we demonstrated our nuclear capabilities and established strategic deterrence.” “This day serves as a reminder of our commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our beloved country,” the president added. The president underscored that the nation, on this day, pays rich tribute to the scientists, engineers, and civil and military leadership, whose dedication and commitment made this achievement possible. “We also pay tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of Pakistan\u2019s nuclear programme, which made the country\u2019s defence impregnable. We also acknowledge the role of Benazir Bhutto, whose stewardship further advanced and strengthened our nuclear programme,” he said. President Zardari underlined that Pakistan does not seek conflict and is committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for international law. In the face of recent unprovoked Indian aggression, he said, 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,” President Zardari added. The president urged the nation to renew its pledge while commemorating Youm-e-Takbeer, to uphold and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Iron resolve: PM Shehbaz hailed Pakistan’s nuclear journey and called for renewed unity and determination to transform the country into an economic power. In his message on the occasion, the prime minister thanked Allah Almighty and congratulated the people of Pakistan, saying: \u201cToday on Youm-e-Takbeer, I thank Allah Almighty and congratulate from the core of my heart the entire nation and all patriotic Pakistanis.\u201d Marking 27 years since Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first among Muslim nations, PM Sharif emphasised that Youm-e-Takbeer was more than a celebration and was a solemn reminder of Pakistan\u2019s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty. The premier linked this year\u2019s commemoration with what he described as Pakistan\u2019s recent success in defending itself from \u201can unjustified war imposed by India\u201d. He hailed the nation\u2019s spirit during the May 6\u201310 confrontation, stating: \u201cThe joys of Youm-e-Takbeer have further increased for a nation filled with victory.\u201d Reflecting on the historic nuclear tests of May 28, 1998, conducted under the leadership of the then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the PM noted that the decision to respond with six nuclear tests, compared to India\u2019s five, was a demonstration of \u201ciron resolve\u201d in the face of global pressure and sanctions. PM Shehbaz paid glowing tribute to the architects of Pakistan\u2019s nuclear programme including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the scientific community, and the armed forces for their role in establishing Pakistan\u2019s deterrent capability. He also lauded the public for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout the journey. \u201cI salute the nation, which made immense sacrifices for the completion of the nuclear programme and wrote a proud story of its determination and faith,\u201d he stated. Drawing parallels between the historic journey of Pakistan\u2019s nuclear programme and the formation of Pakistan itself, he invoked the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and said: \u201cNational history is a witness that the people and political leadership of Pakistan have always made the impossible possible.\u201d PM Shehbaz urged the nation to carry the spirit of Youm-e-Takbeer beyond defence and into economic transformation. He said Youm-e-Takbeer is a day of unity of the nation and declaration of non-compromise on its freedom and sovereignty. “Today we pledge to make Pakistan an economic power and achieve its true place in the world. Insha Allah. Long live Pakistan.” CJCSC, services chiefs extend felicitations: The Armed Forces of Pakistan, along with the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and services chiefs, extend heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan on the 27th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release, Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the momentous occasion in 1998 when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power, restoring the strategic balance in South Asia and asserting its sovereign right to self-defence. This historic achievement epitomises the nation\u2019s resolve, unity, and unwavering pursuit of a dignified and peaceful existence. Pakistan\u2019s strategic capability is a national trust, reflecting the collective aspirations of its people. The commemoration of Youm-e-Takbeer is a tribute to the foresight of visionary leadership, the brilliance of our scientists and engineers, and the countless contributions of all those who rendered Pakistan\u2019s defence unassailable, the ISPR said. This day underscores Pakistan\u2019s steadfast commitment to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It affirms our doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, rooted in the principle of maintaining peace and strategic stability in the region. The ISPR said the armed forces reiterate their unflinching resolve to defend the motherland against all threats across the full spectrum of conflict. As responsible custodians of the nation\u2019s strategic assets, we reaffirm that our nuclear capability remains solely for defensive purposes and stands as a guarantor of peace, it added. “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 armed forces stand in solidarity with the nation, honouring the sacrifices that made this milestone possible and continuing the journey toward strength, stability, and self-reliance,” the military\u2019s media wing maintained. Meanwhile, Foreign Office of Pakistan said the nation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to stand united in safeguarding Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence against any threat or act of aggression. “We remain resolute in our dedication to promoting peace and stability \u2014 both in the region and beyond \u2014 through collective strength and unity,” the FO said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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