Speakers highlight national unity at Nazriya Pakistan Council’s Youm-e-Takbeer ceremony

ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):Speakers at a special ceremony organized by the Nazriya Pakistan Council in connection with Youm-e-Takbeer at Aiwan-e-Quaid paid tribute to Pakistan’s scientific achievements and emphasized the importance of national unity, education and sustainable development alongside a strong defence capability.

Presiding over the event, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan said Pakistan made a timely and prudent decision to conduct nuclear tests in response to India’s nuclear tests, helping maintain the strategic balance in the region. He said Pakistan’s nuclear programme is purely defensive in nature and aims to safeguard national sovereignty, security and regional stability.

Sardar Masood Khan said Pakistan has consistently demonstrated the conduct of a responsible nuclear state and that its defence policy is based on maintaining peace and deterring aggression. He noted that Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a reminder of the nation’s resolve, scientific excellence and the timely decisions of its leadership that strengthened Pakistan’s defence, said a press release here on Thursday.

Chief guest Senator Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum recalled his longstanding association with late Zahid Malik and their collaboration on various national and intellectual initiatives. He also highlighted Zahid Malik’s close relationship with Mohsin-e-Pakistan Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and paid tribute to the scientist’s invaluable contributions to national defence.

He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability remains a guarantee of national security but stressed that greater attention must also be given to the education sector. Millions of children remain out of school, he said, adding that educational advancement should be prioritized alongside defence preparedness. A strong, secure and prosperous Pakistan requires equal emphasis on education and national defence.

Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad, said he first met Zahid Malik 28 years ago, after which they worked together in various fields to promote national and ideological objectives. He described Youm-e-Takbeer as a symbol of Pakistan’s sovereignty, national dignity and defence strength, saying the occasion conveys a message of unity and solidarity.

Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, appreciated the efforts of the current leadership of the Nazriya Pakistan Council and said the organization continues to play a significant role in promoting national and ideological awareness. He emphasized the need to engage university students and young people in the Council’s activities and involve them in matters of national importance to further develop their sense of responsibility, leadership and national consciousness.

Member of the National Assembly Anjum Aqeel Khan paid tribute to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, describing him as a national hero and benefactor of Pakistan. He said Dr Khan played a historic role in strengthening Pakistan’s defence through his extraordinary abilities, determination and commitment to the nation, particularly during a period marked by significant external pressures and challenges.

Director General of Bait-ul-Mal, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan Danish, highlighted the ideological significance of Pakistan’s creation and said Youm-e-Takbeer reminds the nation of its ideological identity, national objectives and commitment to stability. He urged the younger generation to understand the objectives behind the creation of Pakistan and contribute actively to promoting its founding ideals.

Renowned physician and senior member of the Executive Committee of the Nazriya Pakistan Council, Dr Jamal Nasir, said Pakistan’s emergence as the first nuclear power in the Muslim world and its achievement of a credible defence capability remain major national milestones. However, he stressed that equal attention should be paid to public welfare, particularly education, healthcare, employment and economic challenges facing ordinary citizens.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Institute of Business Leadership (IBL), Waheed Sharif said it was encouraging that the Council remains actively engaged in promoting national objectives. He noted that commemorating important milestones associated with the heroes of the Pakistan Movement is of great national significance and assured continued support for the Council’s efforts.

Senior Vice Chairman of the Nazriya Pakistan Council, Faisal Zahid Malik, described May 28 as a golden chapter in Pakistan’s history when the country demonstrated its scientific and defence capabilities through successful nuclear tests in Chagai. Paying tribute to his late father Zahid Malik, he said he had immense respect and admiration for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. Both personalities, he said, remained deeply committed to Pakistan’s ideological foundations, sovereignty and national security.

Concluding the ceremony, Chairman of the Nazriya Pakistan Council Mian Muhammad Javed thanked the distinguished guests, speakers and participants. He said the event promoted the spirit of unity, harmony and collective progress, adding that Pakistan can effectively overcome its challenges through a united, aware and resilient nation.

The ceremony was moderated by Hamid Qaiser, Director Media and Programmes of the Council.