Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that 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 marks the historic day of May 28, 1998 when Pakistan joined the ranks of nuclear powers after atomic tests in the hills of Chagai, Balochistan.

In his message, PM Shehbaz said 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.

He said the day bears testimony that the defence of Pakistan remained in strong and capable hands. He also paid tribute to all those who contributed to Pakistan’s nuclear programme, including former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

He also acknowledged the services of national heroes Abdul Qadeer Khan and Samar Mubarakmand, along with scientists, engineers, experts, armed forces personnel and workers who played a historic role in making Pakistan’s defence impregnable.

The prime minister said India carried out nuclear tests driven by militaristic ambitions and expansionist designs, while Pakistan responded with wisdom and determination to foil hostile intentions. He noted that despite international pressure, economic threats and financial inducements, then-prime minister Nawaz refused to compromise on the country’s independence and security.

PM Shehbaz said that Youm-i-Takbeer symbolised national dignity, sacrifice, unity and an unshakeable commitment to the defence of the homeland. He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and the preparedness of its armed forces remained a decisive deterrent against enemy aggression.

Referring to recent tensions with India, the prime minister said, Pakistan had demonstrated its resolve by delivering a befitting response to aggression during Marka-i-Haq. He said that India had staged a false flag operation in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, targeting Pakistani civilians and mosques under that pretext. He said that Pakistan’s armed forces and nation stood united like Bunyanun Marsoos to thwart enemy designs and challenge its perceived military superiority.

PM Shehbaz also praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating that the armed forces displayed exceptional professionalism under his command. He also commended Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmad Babar and Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf for their exemplary performance.

The prime minister said Pakistan has no aggressive intentions against any country but retained the full right to defend itself. He warned that after facing setbacks in direct confrontation, hostile forces were now attempting to undermine Pakistan’s security through proxy elements, including Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, while Fitna al Hindustan is a term designated by the state for terrorist organisations in Balo­chistan.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan remained determined to eliminate all such threats and their facilitators through continued operations, including Operation Bunyanun Marsoos and Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared and equipped with modern capabilities to defend every inch of the motherland. He urged the nation to renew its pledge for unity, stability, peace and progress and to continue working collectively for a strong, prosperous and dignified Pakistan.

‘Defining moment in Pakistan’s history’

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari said that Youm-i-Takbeer marked a defining moment in the country’s history, describing May 28, 1998 as the day Pakistan attained strategic sovereignty and ensured an impregnable defence of its independence and territorial integrity through successful nuclear tests at Chagai.

In his message, the president said the nuclear tests conducted 28 years ago established Pakistan’s deterrence capability and made the country the seventh nuclear power in the world. He said Pakistans nuclear programme was initiated in response to India’s nuclear ambitions and regional security challenges.

President Zardari said successive Pakistani governments had faced international pressure, sanctions and other challenges aimed at deterring the country from pursuing its strategic programme, but Pakistan remained steadfast in protecting its sovereignty and national security interests.

Paying tribute to the scientists, engineers and armed forces, he said their dedication, professionalism and patriotism enabled Pakistan to achieve a historic milestone. He also acknowledged the role of national leadership and institutions in strengthening the countrys strategic capabilities.

Referring to the events of May 1998, the president said India’s second nuclear tests posed a grave challenge to Pakistan’s security, prompting the countrys political and military leadership to take what he termed a decisive step in line with national aspirations and interests. Despite economic sanctions, threats and international pressure, Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, thereby restoring the balance of power in South Asia, he added.

The president said the achievement reflected national unity and collective resolve in defending the country’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. He described Pakistan’s nuclear capability as one of the nations most valuable assets and a trust representing the aspirations of the people.

Highlighting evolving security challenges, President Zardari said modern warfare increasingly involved cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, drones and other advanced technologies alongside nuclear deterrence. He said Pakistans armed forces had equipped themselves with expertise in these domains and demonstrated professional excellence during Marka-i-Haq last year.

He reiterated that Pakistan was a responsible and peace-loving nation that respected international laws and norms, while reserving the right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter. Referring to Operation Bunyanun Marsoos, the president said Pakistan had responded effectively to Indian aggression last year, attributing the success to national unity and the professionalism of the armed forces.

President Zardari said Youm-i-Takbeer also served as a reminder of the nations commitment to safeguarding the motherland against all threats. He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to meet future challenges through self-reliance, innovation and professional excellence.

Armed forces reaffirm unwavering resolve to defend Pakistan against all threats

In a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations, CDF Munir and the naval and air chiefs said that Youm-i-Takbeer commemorated the historic achievement of when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power and restored the strategic balance in South Asia.

“This defining milestone symbolises the nation’s unity, resilience and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national honour,” they said.

“This historic achievement is a testament to the visionary leadership, remarkable contributions of our scientists and engineers, and the sacrifices of the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. Pakistan’s strategic capability remains a sacred national trust and a guarantor of peace, stability, territorial integrity and credible deterrence in the region,” they said.

They added that the armed forces reaffirmed their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats and remain committed to ensuring the security, stability and prosperity of the nation.

“On this momentous occasion, bowing in humility to the Almighty, Pakistani nation renews its pledge of unity, vigilance, resilience, and dedication for a stronger and prosperous Pakistan,” the statement concluded.