rki.news

By Altaf Hamid Rao

MIRPUR (AJK), May 28: Like the rest of Pakistan, Youm-e-Takbeer was commemorated across Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit to mark the 28th anniversary of Pakistan’s historic nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998.

Special ceremonies, meetings and gatherings were organized in various parts of AJK, including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, where speakers paid tribute to Pakistan’s leadership, scientists and armed forces for making the country the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first Islamic nuclear state.

Despite the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the AJK government observed Youm-e-Takbeer officially and declared a public holiday across the state to commemorate what was described as a landmark day in Pakistan’s defense history.

Speakers at the events said Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests in direct response to India’s nuclear explosions earlier in May 1998, which had disturbed the balance of power in South Asia. They observed that Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests restored strategic balance in the region and strengthened the country’s defense against external threats.

Addressing the gatherings, speakers reiterated their resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s armed forces for the defense and security of every inch of the motherland. They emphasized that a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan remains essential for the freedom and future of Jammu and Kashmir.

“People of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will continue extending full support for the stability, solidarity and defense of Pakistan,” speakers said, adding that national unity and harmony were necessary to defeat hostile designs aimed at weakening the country internally.

At a ceremony held in Mirpur, Advocate Chaudhry Munir Hussain, President of PPP (Shaheed Bhutto) AJK Chapter, described Youm-e-Takbeer as a day of dignity, pride and national honor when Pakistan gave a matching response to India’s nuclear tests.

He said the day symbolized the strength, sovereignty and security of Pakistan and reflected the determination of the nation to safeguard its independence at all costs.

Speakers also recalled that Pakistan had conducted six nuclear tests in Chagai in response to India’s five nuclear detonations, sending a clear message that the country was fully capable of defending its territorial integrity and national interests.

Tributes were also paid to Pakistan’s armed forces and scientists for their contributions in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. Participants said the nation remained united in confronting all forms of aggression and conspiracies against Pakistan.

The ceremonies further highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in missile technology, including the successful test-firing of the “Ghauri” ballistic missile in April 1998 and the later development of advanced tactical missile systems, including the nuclear-capable “Nasr” missile.

The speakers concluded that Youm-e-Takbeer continues to serve as a symbol of national unity, defense strength and the unwavering commitment of the Pakistani nation toward safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and stability.