RAWALPINDI, May 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Thursday said Yom-e-Takbeer marked an unforgettable chapter in Pakistan’s defence history, stating that the nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998 established strategic balance in South Asia and made Pakistan the first nuclear power in the Islamic world. Addressing a Yom-e-Takbeer ceremony here, the minister said the nation observed the day every year with great enthusiasm as a symbol …
Hanif Abbasi terms Yom-e-Takbeer symbol of Pakistan’s defence, sovereignty
RAWALPINDI, May 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Thursday said Yom-e-Takbeer marked an unforgettable chapter in Pakistan’s defence history, stating that the nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998 established strategic balance in South Asia and made Pakistan the first nuclear power in the Islamic world.
Addressing a Yom-e-Takbeer ceremony here, the minister said the nation observed the day every year with great enthusiasm as a symbol of national sovereignty, defence stability, courageous leadership and collective resolve.
Among those present at the ceremony were Members National Assembly (MNA) Tahira Aurangzeb, Sardar Naseem Ahmed, Haji Pervez Khan, Rahat Qadoosi, party lawmakers and a large number of workers.
The Minister said Yom-e-Takbeer represented national independence, courage, resilience and self-reliance in defence.
He said Pakistan had rejected global pressure, economic sanctions and billions of dollars in offers before conducting the nuclear tests under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
He said former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, while renowned nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan returned to the country from abroad and played a pivotal role in making Pakistan a nuclear power.
Paying tribute to the armed forces over the recent “Marka-e-Haq” success, Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan had given a strong response to a much larger enemy, demonstrating its defence capabilities, national unity and determination before the world.
He said the professional expertise of the armed forces, national unity and strong resolve played a decisive role in the success.
Hanif Abbasi praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their courageous leadership and strategic response to enemy aggression.
He claimed the international community had acknowledged the capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces and that friendly countries, including China, appreciated Pakistan’s leadership and military professionalism.
Warning India against any future aggression, the minister said Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared to defend the country and would respond more effectively to any hostile action.
Speaking on political matters, Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan Muslim League (N) had always faced difficult circumstances with resilience and that party workers continued to stand by the leadership despite political pressure and legal challenges.
Highlighting the performance of Pakistan Railways, the minister said the department was moving on the path of progress and aimed to achieve revenue exceeding Rs 100 billion by June 30. He added that reforms, development projects and public service improvements were being implemented across the railway network.
He also thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb for their support in various development projects.
In her address, Tahira Aurangzeb said May 28 remained a historic day when Nawaz Sharif made Pakistan the first Islamic nuclear power through the Chagai nuclear tests. She said the country’s recent successes had enhanced Pakistan’s global standing and prestige.
The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 28th anniversary of Yom-e-Takbeer, while special prayers were offered for Pakistan’s security, progress and stability.
