The seeds of Pakistan's journey to nuclear power were planted
on a chilly January day in 1972, during a secretive meeting in Multan. It was
here that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, then Minister for Fuel, Power, and Natural
Resources, gathered the country’s top scientists and engineers. Fresh from the
devastating 1971 war with India, Bhutto posed a crucial question: "Can we afford
to remain defenseless?" This moment marked the beginning of Pakistan’s ambitious
quest for nuclear capability, driven by the need for national security.
Youm-e-Takbeer, meaning "The Day of Allah’s Greatness" in Urdu, celebrates a
defining moment in Pakistan’s history. On May 28 each year, the nation
commemorates its successful nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998, during the
Chagai-I series. These tests made Pakistan the seventh country in the world and
the first Muslim nation to possess nuclear weapons.
Youm-e-Takbeer is a day of immense pride and celebration for Pakistan. It marks
the country’s entry into the exclusive group of nuclear-armed states, showcasing
its technological achievements and strategic strength. Every year on May 28,
Pakistanis reflect on this significant accomplishment, highlighting its
importance in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
Pakistan’s journey to becoming a nuclear power started in 1956 with the creation
of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Initially, the focus was on
peaceful nuclear applications, as part of US President Eisenhower's Atoms for
Peace program. However, the 1971 war with India, which resulted in significant
losses for Pakistan, changed everything. In 1972, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto called a
meeting of scientists and engineers to start a nuclear weapons program.By the
mid-1970s, Pakistan was making progress in uranium enrichment, motivated by the
need for national security.
The nuclear dynamics in South Asia shifted dramatically after India’s nuclear
tests on May 11 and 13, 1998. In response, Pakistan conducted its own tests on
May 28 and 30, 1998, ending the era of nuclear ambiguity. These tests not only
showcased Pakistan’s technological capabilities but also confirmed its status as
a nuclear power.
On May 28, 1998, at 15:15 , Pakistan conducted its first public nuclear tests,
known as Chagai-I. Five underground tests were carried out in the Ras Koh Hills
of Chagai District, Balochistan, demonstrating the country’s nuclear strength.
Two days later, on May 30, the Chagai-II tests were conducted in the Kharan
Desert, reinforcing Pakistan's nuclear deterrence.
Internationally, Pakistan’s nuclear tests received mixed reactions. While some
countries imposed economic sanctions, others understood the security concerns in
South Asia. The tests highlighted the need for global efforts to prevent nuclear
proliferation and sparked debates on disarmament.
Nuclear technology has both military and civilian uses. Militarily, it acts as a
deterrent. The United States is the only country to have used nuclear weapons in
war, dropping bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Civilians benefit from
nuclear energy for electricity and medical applications, showing the dual nature
of this powerful technology.
Today, the world’s nuclear arsenals are closely watched. Ongoing talks and
treaties aim to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and promote peaceful uses of
nuclear energy. For Pakistan, Youm-e-Takbeer is not just a day of pride but also
a reminder of the responsibilities that come with nuclear power.
As Pakistan celebrates Youm-e-Takbeer, the nation reflects on the significance
of its nuclear achievements and the future of its nuclear policy. This day
stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and scientific
excellence of Pakistan, marking its place in history as a nuclear power!