Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
05/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/27/2026 08:53
PR No. 264 President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari's Message
Exactly 28 years ago on this day, May 28, proved to be the day of a great journey. The day that heralded as the guarantor of impregnable defence of our independence and sovereignty. On this day, in 1998 Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests in the mountains of Chagai and attained strategic sovereignty and deterrence.
Pakistan didn't embark upon this path out of the blue. Following the dismemberment of Pakistan through the direct intervention of Indian armed forces in 1971, India went on to become the first country in South Asia to pursue the nuclear path, conducting its first nuclear test at Pokhran in Rajasthan, near the Pakistani border, in 1974. When Pakistan under Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto started its nuclear program, it was in direct response to Indian nuclear blackmailing. That has been the basis of Pakistan's nuclear program and its raison d'être. Successive Pakistani governments since then have faced pressures, sanctions and other tactics to deter us from our strategic programs aimed at our national security and sovereignty. Pakistan has stood firm in the face of all hardships to protect its security and sovereignty.
Today, once again we pay tribute to our scientists, engineers, brave armed forces and the architects of national institutions, whose hard work, valuable skills and sense of patriotism has led Pakistan to become the world's seventh nuclear power.
In May, 1998, second nuclear tests by India posed a serious challenge to Pakistan's security and existence. At this critical moment, our political and military leadership took the right decision and gave true meaning to the aspirations of the nation as well as our national interest. Despite huge international pressure, economic sanctions, threats and many lucrative offers of temptation, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests on May 28. Pakistan's actions not only made our defence impregnable and established a balance of power in the region, but also placed Pakistan in the list of world's nuclear powers.
This history making achievement is not only a display of the nation's firm resolve, but it also reflects unity of purpose and single objective of defending our independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Successive governments during their tenures in the past put the country's nuclear program and strategic programme a top priority and proved to the world that Pakistanis are one when there is a question of defending the homeland and our territorial integrity and sovereignty. This remarkable strategic capability now stands as Pakistan's most precious asset and trust that reflects the aspirations of our people.
Youm-e-Takbeer revalidates our effective deterrence doctrine, which is indispensable to maintain regional peace and stability. The wars of present age, and future, are likely to consist of multi-domain operations, where, alongside nuclear deterrence, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones and modern technologies are deemed to play a decisive role. Pakistan's armed forces have Al Hamd-o-Lillah equipped themselves with such expertise and professionalism related to all fields of battle and they have demonstrated their skills and capabilities during the Marka-e-Haq last year.
Pakistan harbours no aggressive designs against anyone. We are a responsible and peace-loving nation as we respect international norms and laws. However, we reserve the right of self defence under Article 50 of UN charter. Exercising this right Pakistan last year gave a crushing blow to the Indian aggression during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Our victory in Marka-e-Haq was the result of national unity, courage and professional excellence of our armed forces.
Youm-e-Takbeer is also a day to renew our pledge that we are prepared to go to any extent for the defence of our motherland. We are fully aware of the challenges ahead and we are capable enough to counter them. Our journey towards self-reliance, innovation and professional excellence will continue. To keep the Pakistan flag flying high, the nation stands united and brave armed forces remain at the highest level of readiness. Let the enemy be warned that any aggression will receive a full, immediate and devastating response.
May Almighty Allah protect Pakistan. Ameen!
Pakistan Zindabad!
Pakistan didn't embark upon this path out of the blue. Following the dismemberment of Pakistan through the direct intervention of Indian armed forces in 1971, India went on to become the first country in South Asia to pursue the nuclear path, conducting its first nuclear test at Pokhran in Rajasthan, near the Pakistani border, in 1974. When Pakistan under Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto started its nuclear program, it was in direct response to Indian nuclear blackmailing. That has been the basis of Pakistan's nuclear program and its raison d'être. Successive Pakistani governments since then have faced pressures, sanctions and other tactics to deter us from our strategic programs aimed at our national security and sovereignty. Pakistan has stood firm in the face of all hardships to protect its security and sovereignty.
Today, once again we pay tribute to our scientists, engineers, brave armed forces and the architects of national institutions, whose hard work, valuable skills and sense of patriotism has led Pakistan to become the world's seventh nuclear power.
In May, 1998, second nuclear tests by India posed a serious challenge to Pakistan's security and existence. At this critical moment, our political and military leadership took the right decision and gave true meaning to the aspirations of the nation as well as our national interest. Despite huge international pressure, economic sanctions, threats and many lucrative offers of temptation, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests on May 28. Pakistan's actions not only made our defence impregnable and established a balance of power in the region, but also placed Pakistan in the list of world's nuclear powers.
This history making achievement is not only a display of the nation's firm resolve, but it also reflects unity of purpose and single objective of defending our independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Successive governments during their tenures in the past put the country's nuclear program and strategic programme a top priority and proved to the world that Pakistanis are one when there is a question of defending the homeland and our territorial integrity and sovereignty. This remarkable strategic capability now stands as Pakistan's most precious asset and trust that reflects the aspirations of our people.
Youm-e-Takbeer revalidates our effective deterrence doctrine, which is indispensable to maintain regional peace and stability. The wars of present age, and future, are likely to consist of multi-domain operations, where, alongside nuclear deterrence, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones and modern technologies are deemed to play a decisive role. Pakistan's armed forces have Al Hamd-o-Lillah equipped themselves with such expertise and professionalism related to all fields of battle and they have demonstrated their skills and capabilities during the Marka-e-Haq last year.
Pakistan harbours no aggressive designs against anyone. We are a responsible and peace-loving nation as we respect international norms and laws. However, we reserve the right of self defence under Article 50 of UN charter. Exercising this right Pakistan last year gave a crushing blow to the Indian aggression during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Our victory in Marka-e-Haq was the result of national unity, courage and professional excellence of our armed forces.
Youm-e-Takbeer is also a day to renew our pledge that we are prepared to go to any extent for the defence of our motherland. We are fully aware of the challenges ahead and we are capable enough to counter them. Our journey towards self-reliance, innovation and professional excellence will continue. To keep the Pakistan flag flying high, the nation stands united and brave armed forces remain at the highest level of readiness. Let the enemy be warned that any aggression will receive a full, immediate and devastating response.
May Almighty Allah protect Pakistan. Ameen!
Pakistan Zindabad!
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