ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is celebrating Youm-e-Takbeer today, Wednesday, to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the day it acquired nuclear weapons, reaffirming its pledge to use the capability for defensive purposes only.
Pakistan began a program to obtain nuclear weapons after the 1971 war which led to the division of the country and the creation of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan. The army sees its nuclear weapons as essential to offset the conventional superiority of its much bigger neighbor, India. India sees its own nuclear weapons as a deterrent against Pakistan and China, which defeated it in a border war in 1962.
Pakistan tested nuclear weapons in May 1998, shortly after India announced it had done so.
“Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the momentous occasion in 1998 when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power— restoring the strategic balance in South Asia and asserting its sovereign right to self-defense,” the army said in a statement.
“This historic achievement epitomizes the nation’s resolve, unity, and unwavering pursuit of a dignified and peaceful existence.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterate their unflinching resolve to defend the motherland against all threats across the full spectrum of conflict. As responsible custodians of the nation’s strategic assets, we reaffirm that our nuclear capability remains solely for defensive purposes and stands as a guarantor of peace.”
The military added that the day underscored Pakistan’s “steadfast commitment” to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity and affirmed its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, rooted in the principle of maintaining peace and strategic stability in the region.
Both India and Pakistan faced international sanctions as a result of testing nukes in 1998, although India has since won effective recognition as a nuclear power following an accord negotiated with the United States. Neither Pakistan, nor India, have signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates Pakistan’s arsenal at about 170 warheads. These can be delivered by aircraft, or by missiles, which both countries have been developing and testing.
The nuclear program is controlled by the army and run by the Strategic Plans Division.
Pakistan and India’s nuclear capabilities make any conflict between them especially dangerous and raise global alarm, as happened earlier this month when they launched missiles and drones deep into each other’s territories and exchanged gunfire on their de facto border, the Line of Control, until a ceasefire was announced on May 10. Nearly 70 people combined were killed on both sides of the border.
It was the worst conflict in decades between the neighbors.
Pakistan has fought three full-scale wars with India, including two over the disputed Kashmir region.
