ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday marked the 24th anniversary of its nuclear tests that were conducted to ensure strategic balance in South Asia after India declared itself a nuclear power, pledging peace in the region.
Pakistan tested its nukes in Chaghi district of the southwestern Balochistan province on May 28, 1998, two weeks after New Delhi conducted five nuclear tests. Both countries had to face international sanctions as a result.
Islamabad marks May 28 as Youm-e-Takbeer, which means the day of the greatness of Allah, to celebrate the country’s achievements in nuclear technology.
“Today in 1998, PM Nawaz Sharif rejected pressures and inducements in a bold show of leadership and made Pakistan nuclear power of the world,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Twitter.
“Now we are resolved to turn it into an economic power. My gratitude to all those who helped make our defense invincible.”
Pakistan began its nuclear program after the 1971 war with India that led to the division of the country and the creation of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan.
Pakistan sees its nuclear weapons as essential to offset the conventional superiority of its much bigger neighbor and arch-rival.
In a separate statement, the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country is committed to the promotion of peace and stability in South Asia, while preserving its capability to ward off “aggression or adventurism in any form.”
Pakistan is a partner in international efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime, based on the principles of non-discrimination and equal security for all states, it noted.
Pakistan “adheres to the latest international standards on export controls and maintains highest standards of nuclear safety and security,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
“Pakistan is employing nuclear technology in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from energy, water and food security, education, health, agriculture and industry. Nuclear power generation as a source of reliable, clean and affordable alternative to fossil fuels constitutes an important element of Pakistan’s energy security plans.”
The Pakistani military also paid a tribute to scientists and engineers who had made the country’s nuclear program successful.
“On 28 May 1998, Pakistan established credible minimum nuclear deterrence, restoring balance of power in the region,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said in statement.
“Armed Forces pay tribute to all those who worked selflessly, stayed steadfast against all odds and made this possible.”
