ISLAMABAD: Pakistan conducted nuclear tests on 28th May, May 28 (2018) marks Youm-e-Takbeer – the 20th anniversary of the nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan.
In 1998 as Pakistan was forced to take that decision as a response, in self-defence, to the nuclear tests and accompanying hostile posturing by its neighbour.
These developments, unfortunately, put an end to the prospect for keeping South Asia free of nuclear weapons – an objective which Pakistan had actively pursued.
Notwithstanding these facts, Pakistan has remained steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation and global peace and strategic stability.
Since 1998, Pakistan has demonstrated utmost restraint and responsibility in the stewardship of its nuclear capability. It is committed to the principle of Credible Minimum Deterrence and has persistently sought deterrence stability in the region.
This objective has driven Pakistan to offer and conclude several Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in the nuclear and conventional domains, including the 2004 Pakistan-India Joint Statement which recognized the respective nuclear capabilities of the two countries as a factor for stability.
Pakistan has consistently signalled its willingness to consider further measures for risk reduction and avoidance of arms race in the region, it added.
At the same time, Pakistan remains confident of its ability to deny space for any misadventure against the backdrop of rapidly expanding nuclear and conventional forces in its neighbourhood, deployment of BMD and pursuit of aggressive security doctrines and developing force postures.
The nuclearization of the Indian Ocean and canesterization of ballistic missiles in our neighbourhood should be a matter of concern for the international community as well since these developments have extra-regional ramifications.
Cognizant of its responsibility as a state with nuclear capability, Pakistan has over the years developed robust command and control systems led by the National Command Authority, effective nuclear safety and security regimes and export controls which are at par with the contemporary international standards.
Pakistan has taken significant measures to ensure comprehensive nuclear security which has been acknowledged internationally.
Pakistan is also proud of its accomplishments in harnessing nuclear technology for peace, progress, and prosperity. Nuclear technology has been successfully employed for the benefit of the people in areas of medicine, health, agriculture, industry, food preservation, water management and power generation.
Being one of the most affected countries due to the impact of climate change, Pakistan plans to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 40000 MW by 2050, as a clean and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel.
Pakistan looks forward to expanding the scope of its international collaboration in nuclear power generation for meeting the legitimate socio-economic development needs of its people. As a country with advanced nuclear technology, Pakistan seeks to play its role as a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regime.
President PML-N and Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer. In his message issued in connection with Youm-e-Takbeer, he said, May 28, 1998, held a significant position in Pakistan’s political and defence history.
Former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, considering it imperative after India did the same. He was addressing a ceremony held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of historic nuclear tests of Pakistan at Aiwan-e-Karkunan-Tehrik-e-Pakistan. Minister of Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, provincial ministers and party workers were also present on the occasion. Nawaz Sharif said, he as prime minister defied all international pressure and made bold decision to carry out nuclear tests. He stated that he was offered 5 billion US dollars for not proceeding to the nuclear tests but he turned down the offer. “I replied to Indian leadership that Pakistan was as powerful as India,” he said, adding had they not carried out nuclear tests, Indian Premier Atal Behari Vajpaee would not have travelled to Pakistan by bus. Today, he said, Pakistan had become an atomic power and no one could treat it with bad intentions. Nawaz Sharif said nuclear tests were conducted by an elected prime minister and not a dictator like Pervez Musharraf.
Renewing pledge to thwart conspiracies against the country, the citizens, political activists of Pakistan Muslim League-N and civil society organisations celebrated Youm-e-Takbeer with national zeal and enthusiasm as a number of functions were held to mark the day, here on Monday. A cake cutting ceremony was held at Rajwana House wherein Asif Rafique Rajwana chaired it.
Addressing the workers, Asif Rafique Rajwana paid rich tribute to the supreme leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for making the country an atomic power. He stated the PML-N always served the country and masses, adding that it would continue to perform for the development of the country. Another ceremony was chaired by Pakistan Muslim League-N MPA Ehsanuddin Qureshi. He, along with other local workers, cut the cake.
MPA Ehsanuddin Qureshi said, “World hatched conspiracies against Pakistan’s nuclear programme and tried to stop us from conducting nuclear tests. However, Nawaz Sharif rejected all pressure and conducted the tests.” Meanwhile, the PML-N district, city, women wing, minorities wing, PML-N Society for Human Rights, Labour Wing and other chapters also held separate Youm-e-Takbeer functions in different areas of the city. The PML-N workers cut cakes and offered special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country
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