Leadership hails nuclear journey
The civil and military leadership of the country has felicitated the nation in the 27th Youm-e-Takbeer, as they hail Pakistan's nuclear journey and calls for renewed unity and determination to transform the nation into an economic power.
In their separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the services chiefs, stressed that the Youm-e-Takbeer is a tribute to the foresight of visionary leadership and the brilliance of Pakistani scientists and engineers.
Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28 (today) commemorates the momentous occasion in 1998, when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear powerrestoring the strategic balance in South Asia and asserting its sovereign right to self-defence.
In his message, the president emphasised that becoming a nuclear power was a calculated decision to ensure peace through strength, maintain the strategic balance in South Asia, and to protect the nation against any external aggression.
"Today, we observe the 27th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer – a day when we demonstrated our nuclear capabilities and established strategic deterrence," he said.
"Pakistan does not seek conflict and is committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for international law," he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his separate message, also called for renewed national unity and determination.
The prime minister linked this year's commemoration with Pakistan's recent success in defending itself from "an unjustified war imposed by India". ]
He hailed the nation's spirit during the May 6-10 confrontation. "The joys of Youm-e-Takbeer have further increased for a nation filled with victory."
Shehbaz paid glowing tribute to the architects of Pakistan's nuclear programme. "I salute the nation, which made immense sacrifices for the completion of the nuclear programme and wrote a proud story of its determination and faith," he stated.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, along with the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs, extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan on the 27th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer.
"Pakistan's 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's defence unassailable," it said.