The true message of Youm-e-Takbeer is unity and the PM
Shenbaz promises to make Iran an economic superpower on the 25th anniversary of the country’s nuclear bombs.
ISLAMABAD: On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the nuclear explosions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and asked the people to work together to make Pakistan an economic power.
On the eve of Youm-e-Takbeer, Shehbaz sent out a message in which he praised the efforts of everyone who had a hand in the five nuclear tests that were carried out successfully in response to India’s nuclear explosions.
“I salute the then prime minister and my leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif,” he stated. “By making the national defense impregnable, he made Pakistan the first nuclear power in the Islamic world and the seventh nuclear power in the world.”
Shehbaz said that Nawaz Sharif had faith solely in Almighty Allah, and that he had ignored the threats of a superpower while being offered billions of money.
Shehbaz also paid respect to the late Benazir Bhutto, who as opposition leader at the time backed the government’s choice of nuclear explosions, and the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who founded Pakistan’s nuclear project.
He said that political tensions were high at the time, but that the late Benazir Bhutto put the country’s interests ahead of her own. “This is the day’s true message. When discussing Pakistan, all political interests and disagreements vanish.
“I salute all the heroes of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, including the late Dr Abdul Qadir Khan, scientists, engineers, workers, and all those who have been a part of it in any form,” the prime minister said.
Despite international criticism, Shehbaz said that Pakistan has the backing of all its friendly countries. He singled out the leadership of Saudi Arabia for particular commendation. “The Pakistani nation can never forget their support,” he said.
The events of today have shown us that, united, we are stronger than any threat to our country. There was pressure and threats from the international community on May 28, 1998, but the country’s leadership made the unthinkable possible, as the prime minister put it.
“National solidarity is the source of genuine authority. On this joyous occasion, I also want to share a deep longing of my heart: “We have to make Pakistan an economic power now, but for this we need the same unity, determination, focus, and continuity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Pakistani armed forces, saying that its members have performed well in UN Peacekeeping operations, risking their lives in some of the world’s most volatile hotspots.
Shehbaz tweeted that Pakistan was pleased to be one of the world’s top contributors to peacekeeping operations at a time when eight Pakistani troops were being honored posthumously for their service.
