We must get prepared against external threats: Nawaz

Says Pakistan’s atomic programme created balance of power in the region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said it is our national responsibility to have full preparedness to protect Pakistan from external threats so that no one could dare to look towards it with bad intention.

"Pakistan's atomic programme was developed to make country's defence impregnable. It is a guarantee for peace in South Asia. This programme created balance of power, which was necessary to make this region safe," the premier said in his message on the 18th anniversary of Pakistan’s historic atomic tests

Congratulating the nation on the historic event of May 28 when a matching response was given to Indian nuclear tests, he said that this day would always be remembered as an important milestone in the history of Pakistan like the Day of Independence.

He said on May 28, 1998 Pakistan became the first Muslim nuclear state. “The Youm-e-Takbeer was indeed a day of pride for the Pakistani nation and the Muslims all over the globe.”

He said the credit for making the country's defence impregnable during 1998, went to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, which laid strong foundations for a stable and prosperous Pakistan.

Nawaz said the countries of South Asia came out of instability due to Pakistan's nuclear programme.

“Pakistan believes in peace and our nuclear programme is a symbol of Pakistan's strong defence besides it is a proclamation of courage, steadfastness and bravery of this nation.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2016.