Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid and former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said the country's nuclear programme was safe under the command and control system and the controversy that nuclear arms would fall in the hands of terrorists should finish once for all.
While addressing a function held under the auspices of Aiwan-e-Karkunaan-Tehreek-e-Pakistan to celebrate Youm-e-Takbeer, Nawaz maintained that the country's nuclear system is safer than any other country in the world.
It may be mentioned that Youm-e-Takbeer is observed on May 28 every year to remember the country's historic nuclear tests in 1998 in reply to Indian explosions. The historic nuclear tests made Pakistan the seventh nuclear nation of the world and first Muslim State equipped with nuclear arsenal.
Nawaz Sharif said the day of May 28, will always be remembered a golden day in the country's history. He said atomic explosions were conducted in 1998 for the country's defence and dignity of Pakistani nation, otherwise, such explosions could not be made possible in present days. He was of the view that weapons are instrumental in both avoiding and causing wars.
Nawaz recalled that when India tested its nukes, I decided to conduct nuclear explosions and directed the then army chief to prepare for the nuclear tests. Despite very short period, we gave a befitting response to Indian nuclear tests and now no one can dare attack on Pakistan, he said. He added that the date of conducting Pak nuclear tests was kept secret, as there were reports that preparations were underway to attack the site of nuclear test.
He also mentioned that he received several phone calls from the world leaders including the US President but he remained adamant that it was matter of the country's honour and defence. He said, after conducting nuclear tests by Pakistan Indian tone was altogether changed. The then Indian Premier Atal Behari Vajpayee came to Pakistan and visited Minar-e-Pakistan while both the countries were heading towards peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.
However, the Kargil incident and the army's venture into the government caused dent to everything, he added. He said that Pakistan wanted good relations with all countries including India under the policy of "live and let live."
Nawaz further said that dictatorial regimes always caused harm to the country because dictators caused problems while Pakistan always flourished in the democratic eras. He said that current situation is the outcome of dictatorship that caused damage to democracy and judiciary.
Expressing dismay, Nawaz maintained that a dictator's 17th Constitutional Amendment is still the part of the Constitution while no action was taken of November 3 unconstitutional acts. He urged all the political parties to form national agenda to help overcome problems confronted to the country.
He also announced to extend unconditional support to the government for the implementation of Charter of Democracy (CoD) and resolution of people problems. "We are ready to play due role for the resolution of country's as well as people's problems," he said.
Balochistan and Swat issues demand our attention while unity is the biggest force, he added. Nawaz said the government would have to adopt a strong policy over US drone attacks, which are against the country's sovereignty.
Veteran journalist Majeed Nizami in his speech said that atomic explosions of May 28, 1998 made the country's defence invincible. Nevertheless, this day had changed the country's fate. He said Nawaz Sharif got conducted atomic explosions turning down threats and offers of the then US President. The participants of function also offered fateha on the occasion for the victims of Lahore blast.