ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday marked Youm-e-Takbeer, commemorating the country’s 1998 nuclear tests that made it the first nuclear power in the Islamic world, as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to sovereignty, peace and strategic stability.
The leaders paid tribute to the scientists, engineers and armed forces whose efforts strengthened Pakistan’s defence capabilities and national security.
28 May is remembered as a defining moment in Pakistan’s history because it marks the day when Pakistan successfully conducted its nuclear tests in 1998. This achievement made Pakistan the first nuclear power in the Islamic world and strengthened its national defence.
The day is celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer, symbolising unity, courage, and scientific progress. Pakistani scientists and leaders worked with great dedication to make the country strong and secure.
The successful tests increased the confidence of the nation and showed the world that Pakistan could protect its sovereignty. Every year, Pakistanis remember this historic day with pride and patriotism.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on Youm-e-Takbeer 2026, stated that May 28, 1998, marked a historic milestone when Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests in Chagai, ensuring the country’s defence, sovereignty, and strategic deterrence. He explained that Pakistan’s nuclear programme was initiated in response to India’s nuclear ambitions and regional threats following the 1971 war and India’s 1974 nuclear test.
He paid tribute to the scientists, engineers, and armed forces whose dedication made Pakistan the world’s seventh nuclear power. The President emphasised that despite international pressure, sanctions, and threats, Pakistan remained steadfast in safeguarding its national security.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan is a peaceful and responsible nation but fully capable of defending itself against aggression. Highlighting modern warfare challenges, he praised the armed forces’ preparedness and reiterated the nation’s commitment to unity, self-reliance, and protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari’s
Message on Youm-e-Takbeer 2026Exactly 28 years ago on this day, May 28, proved to be the day of a great journey. The day that heralded as the guarantor of impregnable defence of our
independence and sovereignty.… pic.twitter.com/T66LKhBsib— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 27, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari, in another message on Youm-e-Takbeer, said Pakistan’s nuclear programme was initiated under Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in response to India’s nuclear ambitions and regional threats. He stated that despite international pressure, sanctions, and other challenges, Pakistan remained steadfast in protecting its national security, sovereignty, and strategic interests.
“Pakistan under Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto started its nuclear program, it was in direct response to Indian nuclear blackmailing. That has been the basis of Pakistan’s nuclear program and its raison d’être. Successive Pakistani governments since then have faced pressures,… pic.twitter.com/tiJFrcnzMZ
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 28, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Youm-e-Takbeer 2026, said that May 28, 1998, marked a defining moment in Pakistan’s history when the nation demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sovereignty, security, dignity, and self-defence.
28 May 1998 was a defining moment in our national history – a day when Pakistan demonstrated to the world that it would never compromise on its sovereignty, security, dignity, or right to self-defence.
As we commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer today, we pay glowing tribute to Shaheed…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 28, 2026
He paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundation of the nuclear programme and to Nawaz Sharif for his courageous leadership in making Pakistan a nuclear power despite international pressure.
The Prime Minister also honoured Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, scientists, engineers, and armed forces personnel whose dedication strengthened Pakistan’s defence, unity, and strategic stability.
