Islamabad conducted ‘successful’ nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, in response to a similar move by India

By Mashal Khan 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday celebrated the 24th anniversary of the nuclear test with national zeal and fervor.

The day began with special prayers in mosques for the unity, solidarity, and prosperity of the country.

The nation paid special tribute to its its scientists, engineers and armed forces to make the country a strong nuclear power and gave a befitting response in 1998 to India when New Delhi carried out its nuclear test. 

The government has already announced 10 days of celebrations for grand celebrations to mark the event, commonly known as “Youm-e-Takbeer”.

On May 11 to 13, 1998, India carried out five nuclear tests in the Pokhran range of Rajasthan state, which borders Pakistan's southern Sindh province, triggering a new arms race in the already tense region.

Pakistan's armed forces and its scientists responded with befitting manners and carried out six successful nuclear tests from May 28 to 30, 1998 and Pakistan became the first nuclear power in the Muslim world while seventh after the US, Russia, China, UK, France and India, in the world.  

“Today the nation observes the twenty-fourth anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests conducted in 1998 in response to testing of nuclear weapons by India. The tests not only demonstrated the resolve of the Pakistani nation to safeguard Pakistan’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty, but also the desire to preserve strategic balance in South Asia,” said the Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement. 

“Pakistan is committed to the promotion of environment of peace and stability in South Asia, while preserving its capability to ward off aggression or adventurism in any form. It is a partner in international efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime based on the principles of non-discrimination and equal security for all states. It adheres to the latest international standards on export controls and maintains highest standards of nuclear safety and security,” It’s added.

According to Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India currently possesses between 80 and 100 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan holds between 90 and 110.

 To maintain peace and strategic stability in South Asia, Pakistan has already proposed for Strategic Restraint Regime (SRR) which provides measures for (i) resolution of outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir; (ii) nuclear and missile restraints; and (iii) conventional balance.

“In paying tribute to its scientists, engineers and technicians in ensuring Pakistan’s security, the nation also deeply appreciates the contributions of Pakistan’s nuclear programme to the country’s socio-economic development.” 

“Pakistan is employing nuclear technology in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from energy, water and food security, education, health, agriculture and industry,” said the ministry.

Nuclear power generation as a source of reliable, clean and affordable alternative to fossil fuels constitutes an important element of Pakistan’s energy security plans. This year, operationalization of second 1100 MWe K-3 Nuclear Power Plant in Karachi marks another milestone, which signifies the role of nuclear science and technology for socio-economic development and welfare of the people of Pakistan.

In the health domain, twenty cancer hospitals being operated across the country by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) bear the bulk of cancer burden in Pakistan. 

In the field of agriculture, the contributions of nuclear research centers in Pakistan to the development of high yield climate change resistant varieties of crops has been recognized internationally.

The Pakistan Center of Excellence in Nuclear Security (PCENS) is an IAEA-recognized Center of Excellence imparting international trainings in nuclear security. 

While Pakistan also offers fellowships under the IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship programme and has seconded experts to the IAEA in various fields. 

ISPR pays tribute to all those who made it possible

Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen. Babar Iftikhar said that Islamabad "restored balance of power in the region" by successfully establishing a "credible [and] minimum nuclear deterrence."

“24 years ago on 28 May 1998, Pakistan established credible minimum nuclear deterrence, restoring balance of power in the region,” said ISPR in a statement.

The military also paid tribute to all those who worked selflessly, stayed steadfast against all odds, and made this possible.