Pakistan celebrates the 23rd anniversary of Nuclear Tests: Says a credible minimum deterrent was established
Islamabad: The Pakistan Army on Friday said that the country restored balance of power in the region on this day more than two decades ago by carrying out nuclear tests in response to India’s Pokhran tests and establishing a “credible minimum nuclear deterrence”. Both the Army and Foreign Office issued statements to mark the 23rd anniversary of the May 28, 1998 nuclear tests by Pakistan, codenamed ‘Yaum-e-Takbeer’ (The day of greatness). Pakistan carried out the tests after India conducted a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions at the Pokhran in May, 1998.
“Twenty three years ago on this day, Pakistan restored balance of power in the region by successfully establishing credible minimum nuclear deterrence,” the Army spokesperson said. He said the Armed Forces and the nation pay tribute to all those involved in making this dream come true.
“On the occasion of Yaum-e-Takbeer, the nation reaffirms its determination to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence against any form of aggression,” the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Pakistan gained entry to the worldwide nuclear club as a result of the nuclear tests, ranking seventh among nuclear-armed powers and being the first Muslim country to do so. This signaled a shift in power, giving Pakistan strategic benefits while also guaranteeing regional stability. Pakistan was under heavy international pressure, with the West threatening harsh economic penalties, but Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the military leadership stood firm and successfully completed the test.