Islamabad, May 28, 2026 – The Europe Today: PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday described Youm-e-Takbeer as a historic and decisive day in Pakistan’s history, saying the nation demonstrated courage by declaring itself a nuclear power on May 28, 1998.
In a message to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, the Prime Minister said Pakistan had given an effective response to India’s nuclear tests and proved that it would never neglect its defence capabilities.
He stated that Youm-e-Takbeer stands as testimony to the country’s strong defence and paid tribute to the architects of Pakistan’s nuclear programme.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan and scientist Samar Mubarakmand for their contributions, while also acknowledging the services of scientists, engineers, the armed forces and workers involved in the programme.
The Prime Minister said India carried out nuclear tests under a war-driven and expansionist mindset, while Pakistan made a timely decision that foiled hostile intentions.
He noted that global powers had attempted to prevent Pakistan from conducting nuclear tests and that the country faced economic pressure and threats of sanctions at the time. However, he said Nawaz Sharif remained steadfast in protecting Pakistan’s independence and sovereignty despite international pressure.
Describing Youm-e-Takbeer as a symbol of national dignity, unity and defensive resolve, Shehbaz Sharif said that had Pakistan not become a nuclear power, enemies could have crossed every limit against the country.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence and armed forces remain a major obstacle against aggression and said the country had repeatedly demonstrated its determination by giving a strong response to hostile actions.
The Prime Minister also accused India of staging the Pahalgam false flag incident and using it as a pretext to target civilians and mosques. He said the Pakistani nation and armed forces stood united and thwarted India’s objectives, while the armed forces shattered the perception of India’s numerical and military superiority.
He praised Asim Munir for his leadership in “Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” calling it proof of professional excellence. He also commended Zaheer Ahmed Babar and Naveed Ashraf for their outstanding performance.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan had made it clear to the world that its intentions are not aggressive, but that it reserves the right to defend itself.
He further stated that following defeat, enemies were now resorting to new tactics and alleged that hostile elements were supporting proxy groups such as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan.” He also accused the Afghan regime of facilitating hostile agendas and vowed that all such threats would be eliminated through “Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully prepared to defend every part of the country and said the nation would always remain grateful to its heroes.
