Public holiday today as nation celebrates Youm-e-Takbeer

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday declared May 28 (today) as a public holiday in celebration of Youm-e-Takbeer when Pakistan made the nuclear detonations in 1998 becoming the first Muslim nuclear country. The explosions made the country’s defense impregnable.

In a statement, Shehbaz said the day reminded of the nation’s unity to make Pakistan’s defence invincible. “On this day, the entire nation vowed that no compromise would be made on the integrity of the motherland by accepting any kind of external pressure,” he said.

The premier said Youm-e-Takbeer recalled the memory that all the political and defense forces were united to make the country’s defence invincible.

He said Youm-e-Takbeer was a day to renew the nation’s pledge to thwart the nefarious designs of external as well as internal foes bent upon endangering the country through their politics of chaos and anarchy.

He said Youm-e-Takbeer was a day to pay tribute to the then prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for making the country’s defense impregnable. He also paid tribute to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and scientists for their role in initiating and continuing the nuclear programme.

Meanwhile, Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said ‘on this Youm-e-Takbeer, we renew our pledge to continue working towards a peaceful and stable world and let’s draw inspiration from this success and work together to make the country’s defence impregnable through technological and economic advancements.’

“Today, the whole nation is observing Youm-e-Takbeer to mark the 26th anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests, which is a pivotal moment in our history, as on this day, we successfully demonstrated our nuclear capabilities and joined the ranks of nuclear powers,” he said in a message on the eve of Youm-e-Takbeer.

“Today, we also recognize the contributions of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto whose efforts led to making Pakistan a nuclear state. We also appreciate Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s decision as the opposition leader of the time to support Mian Nawaz Sharif for conducting nuclear tests,” he said.

Indeed, he said it was the collective determination of our civil and military leadership as well as our scientific acumen, and unwavering dedication to national defence that propelled us forward.

Gilani said Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, firmly believed in the peaceful resolution of conflicts. “We are also strictly adhering to the international standards, and have implemented stringent controls and comprehensive safety measures to safeguard our nuclear assets,” he said.

The prime minister said the entire nation, including him, also pledged that they will work hard day and night to ensure the economic security of the country like they made the defence of this country impregnable in 1998.

The Cabinet Division has notified May 28 as a public holiday. In continuation of the Cabinet Division’s circulation dated December 20, 2023, regarding public and optional holidays, the prime minister is pleased to declare 28th May, 2024 (Youm-e-Takbeer as public holiday throughout the country.

Meanwhile, in pursuance of the federal government’s notification, the Punjab government also announced May 28 (Tuesday) as a holiday on account of Youm-e-Takbeer. The Services & General Administration Department also issued a notification.