Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, while congratulating the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbir, said that today is a reminder of Pakistan becoming a nuclear power and a symbol of national sovereignty. He said that by becoming a nuclear power 27 years ago, Pakistan gave a message to the world that we are capable of taking every possible step to defend our homeland.
President Zardari paid tribute to scientists, engineers, civil and military leadership and all national institutions who played a role in this great cause. He said that we pay tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who laid the foundation of the nuclear program and this program was strengthened during the reign of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
The President said that Pakistan does not want war, we believe in peaceful coexistence and respect for international laws. In response to India’s recent aggression, Pakistan has demonstrated strategic restraint and commitment to peace.
He said that the effective response under Operation Banyan Marsus forced the enemy to stop the aggression. Pakistan’s nuclear capability is not just a technical achievement but a wise decision to maintain peace through force. The President added that in the changing regional situation, our nuclear power is a credible defensive capability that guarantees national sovereignty and security.
