Armed Forces Chiefs Commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer

Updated: 12:46 PM PKT — May 28, 2026

On the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership reiterated the nation’s commitment to peace and a strong national defense. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued messages stating that Pakistan is a responsible, peace-loving nation that respects international laws. They paid tribute to the scientists, engineers, and armed forces who contributed to the country’s strategic capabilities, describing the day as a symbol of national dignity, unity, and sacrifice.

In a joint statement, the chiefs of the armed forces extended felicitations to the nation, calling the milestone a symbol of unity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding sovereignty. They affirmed that Pakistan’s strategic capability is a guarantor of peace and stability in the region and reaffirmed their resolve to defend the motherland against all threats.

Updated: 10:45 AM PKT — May 28, 2026

The 28th Youm-e-Takbeer was celebrated with national fervor on Thursday, commemorating the day Pakistan became the world’s seventh nuclear power and the first in the Islamic world. The successful nuclear tests, conducted on May 28, 1998, in the Ras Koh hills of Chagai, were hailed as a restoration of the strategic balance in South Asia.

Tributes were paid to the scientists who led the program, including Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, and the political leadership. The day was remembered as the culmination of a national resolve, initiated by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and realized through the decision of then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to proceed with the tests in response to regional developments. The President and Prime Minister also congratulated the nation, terming the achievement a symbol of national honor, defense, and peace.

Updated: 10:14 AM PKT — May 28, 2026

In a joint message marking the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force reaffirmed the armed forces’ “unwavering resolve” to defend Pakistan against all threats. An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement described the country’s strategic capability as a “sacred national trust” and a guarantor of regional peace.

The military’s media wing noted that Pakistan’s doctrine has evolved to “full-spectrum deterrence” to counter emerging threats, with Kashmir and water rights remaining central strategic concerns. The statement also highlighted the robust command and control systems under the National Command Authority and cited the May 2025 standoff with India as a recent example where credible deterrence successfully prevented escalation.

Updated: 9:43 AM PKT — May 28, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marked the occasion by stating the 1998 nuclear tests were a necessary response to India’s actions, demonstrating Pakistan’s resolve to protect its sovereignty against international pressure. He paid tribute to former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, as well as scientists like Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, for their contributions to the nuclear programme.

The military’s top leadership, in a joint statement, described Youm-e-Takbeer as a symbol of national unity and resilience that established credible deterrence. They affirmed that the country’s strategic capabilities are aimed at ensuring peace and stability, and that the armed forces remain prepared to defend Pakistan against all threats.

Updated: 9:12 AM PKT — May 28, 2026

In a special message, President Asif Ali Zardari described Youm-e-Takbeer as a symbol of Pakistan’s ‘invincible defense’ and the day that granted the nation strategic autonomy. He stated that despite global pressure and sanctions, Pakistan protected its national interest, and paid tribute to the country’s scientists and armed forces.

The president affirmed that Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving nuclear state with no aggressive intentions, but warned that any aggression would be met with an immediate and robust response. He also noted the importance of cyber warfare, AI, and drones in modern conflicts, adding that Pakistan’s defense strategy is a guarantor of peace and stability in the region.

Updated: 8:42 AM PKT — May 28, 2026

On the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, the country’s civilian and military leadership reaffirmed their commitment to national defence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari described May 28, 1998, as a defining moment that restored strategic balance in South Asia. Both leaders paid tribute to the political leadership, scientists, and engineers behind the nuclear programme, stating that the tests were a response to India’s nuclear ambitions and that Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty.

The prime minister warned that hostile forces were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s security through proxy elements, while the president highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, including cyber and artificial intelligence capabilities. In a separate statement, the armed forces leadership described Pakistan’s strategic capability as a ‘sacred national trust’ and a guarantor of peace, reaffirming their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats.

Updated: 3:39 AM PKT — May 28, 2026

On the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs extended their congratulations to the nation.

A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted the day as a commemoration of Pakistan’s emergence as a nuclear power, which it said restored the strategic balance in South Asia. The military’s media wing described the milestone as a symbol of national unity, perseverance, and sovereignty, crediting the success to the nation’s visionary leadership and its scientists and engineers. The armed forces reaffirmed their unwavering resolve to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.