Islamabad, 28 May 2022 (TDI): Yaum-e-Takbeer is being observed on Saturday, which is a national holiday to commemorate the 1998 nuclear explosions near Chaghi.
Pakistan tested five nuclear bombs on May 28, 1998, in response to India’s nuclear tests. Every year, Pakistan celebrates 28th May as Youm-e-Takbeer.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that they must retain the Yaum-e-Takbeer spirit if they seek economic independence and sovereignty.
The Prime Minister further added that this historic day shows the country’s sovereignty and defense wouldn’t be compromised.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a national song on the occasion of Yaum-e-Takbeer with an aim to highlight the importance of this day.
Similarly, ISPR released statement on Saturday that Pakistan established a viable minimum nuclear deterrent 24 years ago. This restored power balance. This year’s theme of Yaum-e-Takbeer is “Na Jhuky thay na Jhuken gay.”
#Pakistan is a partner in efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime on a non-discrminatory basis and is committed to promoting an environment of peace and stability in South Asia. #Youm_e_Takbeer
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) May 28, 2022
Yaum-e-Takbeer’s Importance
To appreciate Youm-e- Takbeer’s importance, first and foremost it must be understood why and how Pakistan started developing nuclear weapons.
The main reason was India’s first nuclear bomb test in 1974, followed by subsequent tests in 1998. Besides, losing East Pakistan, India’s persistence, and its protracted capture of Kashmir made Pakistan feel vulnerable.
This pushed Pakistan to develop nuclear weapons to stop India’s aggression. May 18, 1974 was India’s first nuclear test, nicknamed “Smiling Buddha.”
India tested five nukes on May 11, 1998. After these tests, Kashmir’s situation deteriorated anew. Consequently, in response to India, Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons on May 28, 1998, under international pressure.
Tests proved Pakistanis’ determination to maintain its territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty with the intent to retain South Asia’s strategic balance.
Strategic Restraint Regime Plan
Pakistan has a commitment for peace and stability in South Asia. Similarly, threats to South Asia’s strategic stability highlight the importance of Pakistan’s Strategic Restraint Regime (SRR) plan.
To sum up, the SRR contains efforts to address unsolved issues like Jammu and Kashmir, limit nuclear and missile use, and balance conventional and nuclear weapons.
