Pakistan Has Always Proven Itself a Responsible Nuclear State; Education and Defense Must Both Remain National Priorities, Say Speakers
Islamabad (Special Correspondent)
A special ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Quaid under the auspices of the Nazaria Pakistan Council to commemorate Youm-e-Takbeer, where speakers described Pakistan’s nuclear program as one of the greatest achievements in the nation’s history and paid tribute to the contributions of national scientists, policymakers, and the armed forces.
The event was chaired by former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan. Addressing the gathering, he said that Pakistan made a timely and wise decision to conduct nuclear tests in response to India’s nuclear explosions, helping maintain the balance of power in the region. He stated that Pakistan’s nuclear program is purely defensive in nature and is aimed at safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security, and regional stability.
Sardar Masood Khan said that Pakistan has consistently demonstrated itself to be a responsible nuclear state and that its defense strategy is based on maintaining peace and deterring aggression. He added that Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a reminder of national resolve, scientific excellence, and timely leadership decisions that made Pakistan’s defense invincible.
The chief guest of the ceremony, Senator Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Qayyum, said that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is a guarantee of national security. However, he emphasized that alongside defense stability, educational development must also remain a national priority. He noted that millions of children remain deprived of education and that both education and national defense are equally important for a strong, secure, and prosperous Pakistan.
Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Professor Dr. Nazir Ahmed, stated that Youm-e-Takbeer symbolizes Pakistan’s sovereignty, national dignity, and defense stability while conveying a message of national unity and solidarity.
Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, Professor Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, appreciated the services of the Nazaria Pakistan Council and said that the organization is playing a vital role in promoting national and ideological awareness among the younger generation. He stressed the importance of involving university students in matters of national significance.
Member of the National Assembly Anjum Aqeel Khan said that Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, known as Mohsin-e-Pakistan, was a national hero who played a historic role in making Pakistan’s defense impregnable through his talent, determination, and patriotism. He said that the nation would always remember the services of its benefactors and national heroes.
Director General of Bait-ul-Mal, Professor Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan Danish, said that Youm-e-Takbeer teaches the nation the importance of its ideological identity, national objectives, and stability. He urged the youth to understand the ideology and objectives behind the creation of Pakistan and contribute to their promotion.
Renowned physician and senior member of the Executive Committee of the National Press Club, Dr. Jamal Nasir, said that becoming the first nuclear power in the Muslim world was a remarkable historic achievement for Pakistan. However, he stressed that alongside defense strength, equal attention should be paid to public welfare, education, healthcare, employment, and economic challenges.
Chairman of IBL, Waheed Sharif, said that the Nazaria Pakistan Council is actively contributing toward achieving national objectives and that commemorating days associated with the heroes of the Pakistan Movement at the national level is the need of the hour.
Senior Vice Chairman of the Nazaria Pakistan Council, Faisal Zahid Malik, said that May 28 is a golden chapter in Pakistan’s history when the country demonstrated its defense and scientific capabilities through successful nuclear tests in Chagai. Paying tribute to his late father Zahid Malik, he said that he had immense admiration for Mohsin-e-Pakistan Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, and that both personalities remained committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and ideological identity.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chairman of the Nazaria Pakistan Council, Mian Muhammad Javed, thanked the guests and participants and said that the event organized in connection with Youm-e-Takbeer serves as a source of national unity, cohesion, and harmony. He added that only a united, aware, and strong nation can effectively confront the challenges facing Pakistan.
The event was moderated by Hameed Qaiser, Director Media and Programs of the Nazaria Pakistan Council.