Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi has lauded the nation on the 25th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, celebrating the day the country became a nuclear power. Dr Alvi emphasized that the strategic decision to conduct nuclear tests following India’s similar actions in 1998 was key in maintaining regional power equilibrium.
Dr Alvi, in his public address on May 27, praised the historic achievement of the nation’s nuclear capabilities. He recognized the crucial role played by the scientists, engineers, and the political and military leadership of that time. The president highlighted that their collective efforts transformed Pakistan into a nuclear-armed state in a relatively short span.
Expressing gratitude towards all those involved, Dr Alvi said, “The entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to those instrumental in establishing Pakistan as the inaugural Islamic nuclear power.”
Dr Alvi emphasized the importance of continued investment in the intellectual capital of the nation and fortifying cybersecurity measures for safeguarding the nation’s defense. He expressed his optimism that through collective efforts, Pakistan’s defense can be made invincible.
Parallelly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed the sentiment of unity on this significant day, pressing on the importance of transforming the country into an economic powerhouse. In his address, Prime Minister Sharif commemorated those involved in the realization of the country’s impervious defense, facilitated by the successful conduction of five nuclear tests in 1998.
The Prime Minister further saluted his predecessor, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who played a key role in cementing Pakistan’s position as the first Islamic nuclear power and the seventh worldwide. He praised Sharif’s firm resolve, which remained undeterred despite immense international pressure and monetary temptations.
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Additionally, the Prime Minister commended the efforts of the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the originator of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and the late Benazir Bhutto for their supportive stance. He stressed the spirit of unity and disregard of political dissension for the benefit of the nation.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister also paid homage to the late Dr Abdul Qadir Khan and other contributors to Pakistan’s nuclear programme. He expressed gratitude towards allied nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, for their unwavering support despite international backlash.
The Prime Minister called for a united front, emphasizing the strength in unity that made a seeming impossibility, a reality on May 28, 1998. He also reiterated his vision for Pakistan’s economic growth, calling for unity, resolve, and continuity in this pursuit.
In a separate context, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the valiant efforts of Pakistani soldiers in the United Nations Peacekeeping missions, highlighting the nation’s pride in being a significant contributor to global peace missions.
