Nation celebrates Youm-e-Takbeer

Nation on Thursday celebrated the Youm-e-Takbeer across the country with traditional fervour and enthusiasm to commemorate historic nuclear test conducted at Chaghi (Balochistan) in 1998 in response to Indian nuclear tests. Pakistan was the first Muslim country to acquire nuclear power under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and seventh nuclear power of the world equipped with nuclear arsenal.
Youm-e-Takbeer, which literally means the "the day when Allah's name was exalted," is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm and is a reminder of the struggle and great odds that Pakistan overcame to build a nuclear weapon, despite strong countervailing pressure from the West. Pakistan had detonated nuclear blasts on May 28, 1998, 17 years ago at Chaghi, Balochistan. Owing to nuclear explosions, nation had to endure economic sanctions imposed by the international community but it stood by its principled stand on the issue of achieving national deterrence.
To celebrate the day, in the morning special prayers were offered for the sake of stability of the country, supremacy of the constitution, prosperity of the nation and eradication of terrorism. Various ceremonies and seminars were organized in which eminent scientists, intellectuals, defence analysts and notable personalities paid tribute to the team of nuclear scientists who raised Pakistan's strategic status in the comity of nations and signified the principle of self-reliance. Different organisations brought out rallies to highlight importance of the day.
Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N), the party which always celebrated the day in a befitting manner, its workers and leaders also celebrated Youm-e-Takbeer, with special gatherings and cake cutting ceremonies at various places. The party has the distinction of making the decision to carryout nuclear tests at Chaghi during the second tenure of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as the country's prime minister. Radio Pakistan and television channels broadcast special programmes in connection with Youm-e Takbeer. Impressions of defence analysts, journalists, educationists, and intellectuals were broadcast, while national songs in Urdu, regional and local language were the hallmark of special programmes.