Youm-e-Takbeer From nuclear deterrence to economic strength’- speakers call for national renewal

Marking the 27th anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests, speakers at a Youm-e-Takbeer seminar on Wednesday said the country’s nuclear capability remains the cornerstone of its security, but warned that true sovereignty now depends on achieving economic self-reliance. The Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) hosted the seminar, “Youm-e-Takbeer: Guarantee of Pakistan’s Security and Stability,” at the Quaid-e-Azam Gallery, Aiwan-e-Quaid, attended by scholars, students, parliamentarians, and members of civil society. Courage in the face of pressure Presiding over the event, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan recalled the international isolation Pakistan faced after India’s 1998 tests. Despite tremendous pressure, our civil and military leadership showed courage and wisdom by deciding to conduct nuclear tests in the national interest, he said. “That decision ensured strategic stability in South Asia and continues to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty in an uncertain security environment.” He traced Pakistan’s nuclear journey to the vision of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the contributions of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, adding: “We must now accelerate the indigenization of our defense capabilities so that we are not dependent on others. Nuclear capability is national pride Chief Guest Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum, Senator and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) recipient, described the achievement as a matter of collective pride. National defence cannot be guaranteed solely through wealth and natural resources, he said. “It requires resilience, determination, and strategic preparedness. Pakistan’s nuclear capability is purely for defensive purposes and has contributed significantly to regional peace and stability by maintaining a credible deterrent.” The next miracle must be economic NPC Senior Vice Chairman Faisal Zahid Malik termed the nuclear tests a historic milestone comparable to the creation of Pakistan, calling both “miracles” in the nat