Youm-e-Takbeer: Govt announces public holiday on Tuesday (today)

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday declared May 28, known as Youm-e-Takbeer, a national holiday to honour the day Pakistan became a nuclear power, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

According to the statement, PM Shehbaz emphasised that the day serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity in making Pakistan’s defence impregnable. “On this day, the entire nation decided to maintain the integrity of the country by rejecting any external pressure on our defence,” he stated.

He said that Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the solidarity of political and military forces, uniting under the green crescent flag to strengthen the nation’s defence.

PM Shehbaz also highlighted that the day reaffirms the commitment to thwart not only external adversaries but also internal elements seeking to destabilise the country through divisive politics.

He said that May 28 marks the day when former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan armed forces took decisive steps to render Pakistan’s defence invincible. It is also a tribute to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the scientists who played a crucial role in initiating and sustaining Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

“The entire Pakistani nation, including myself, pledges on this day to ensure the economic security of the country with the same dedication that made our defence indomitable on May 28,” PM Shehbaz declared.

He also called on the nation to unite against not only external foes but also internal threats, like the events of May 9, by working tirelessly with unity, discipline, and unwavering resolve.