By Asghar Ali Mubarak
The journey from Youm-e-Takbir to Muarka Haq is one of great victory and pride. May 28, Youm-e-Takbir, is a profoundly significant day for Pakistan, just as May 10, Muarka Haq, marks a defining triumph in the country’s struggle for truth. Youm-e-Takbir means “Day of Takbir” – the day Pakistan, with the resounding call of “Allahu Akbar”, delivered a clear message to its enemies that it is self-sufficient in its defence. May 2025 has now taken its place not only in Pakistani history but also in the military chronicles of the world—etched in memory in a way that future generations may never forget. At present, Pakistan’s defence is invincible by the grace of Allah. May 28 remains a blessed day for Muslims across the subcontinent and around the globe. The mountains that witnessed these nuclear tests stand as silent testimony to the strength and resolve of Pakistan, echoing the chants of praise and Takbir.
Pakistan now marks 27 years since becoming a nuclear power, and today, May 28, Youm-e-Takbir is being commemorated across the country. It is a day of national pride, while May 10 signifies a major victory in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for truth and justice. As a Pakistani, I feel proud and immensely fortunate to have been born on May 28 in Sibi, Balochistan. I completed my early education at Government High School Babu Mohalla in Quetta. I love my native city and my province for their rich cultural heritage. As a child, I often wondered why my date of birth wasn’t August 14, September 6 or March 23. But after May 28, 1998, I came to cherish the significance of being born on this historic day. On that day in 1998, I was working at Daily Jang in Rawalpindi. There were no mobile phones then. We received the momentous news from Radio Pakistan that the country had conducted successful nuclear tests and had become a nuclear power.
It’s important to note that, like May 28, May 10 has now also secured its place in the nation’s history. Pakistan’s military has firmly established its reputation across the globe. The entire nation stands proud of its courageous armed forces, who stunned the world with a swift and decisive response to the enemy. The Pakistan Army’s persistent efforts to eliminate terrorism are equally commendable. Even India now recognizes that Pakistan knows how to defend itself. The path to achieving nuclear capability was initiated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It was Nawaz Sharif who, despite international pressure, made the bold decision to proceed with nuclear tests—shattering Indian arrogance and pride. On May 28, Pakistan declared its independence on its own terms, asserting its sovereignty over the lure of foreign dollars. Youm-e-Takbir became a pivotal day, safeguarding the freedom, sovereignty and future of generations to come.
Pakistan’s youth must now rise to meet the challenges the nation faces. They are the vanguard of a nation that must stand as a wall of steel to protect Pakistan’s dignity, defence and interests. Each year, May 28 is celebrated as Youm-e-Takbir—the day Pakistan became the first Islamic nuclear power. In response to India’s nuclear tests, Pakistan, under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, conducted five successful nuclear tests in Chagai, Balochistan, on May 28, 1998. Pakistan’s next challenge is to build an invincible economy, for without economic strength, no country can maintain a strong defence. The entire nation pays homage to its brave soldiers and stands shoulder to shoulder with the government and the Pakistan Army. In responding to India’s nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, Pakistan earned its place as the first nuclear power in the Muslim world and the seventh overall. All Pakistanis remember this day with pride.
Following India’s nuclear tests, there was immense pressure on Pakistan not to retaliate. But unity among the people, the determination of the leadership and the commitment of scientists made the impossible possible. Pakistan had to respond to maintain the regional balance of power. After the partition, India wasted no time in developing its nuclear program, with support from the US and its allies. It carried out its first test in 1974, without facing global resistance. Then came the nuclear tests of May 11 and 13, 1998. India followed up with threats to Pakistan. In response, both political and public pressure mounted, leading the Pakistani government to decide to proceed with nuclear tests. International actors attempted to dissuade Pakistan—through pressure, incentives and threats of sanctions.
Despite all this, then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stood firm. Chagai in Balochistan was selected as the test site. On the morning of May 28, 1998, all military installations were put on high alert. A ten-member team reached the observation post, ten kilometres from the test site. Among them were the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr Ashfaq, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Dr Samar Mubarak, four scientists from Kahuta Research Laboratories, and General Zulfiqar, leading the Pakistan Army team. At 3:16 pm, the detonation button was pressed. The explosions took place in six stages. May 28, 1998, is remembered as the day the Islamic Republic of Pakistan tested one of the world’s most powerful weapons. Technology is crucial to a nation’s rise or fall. Along with courage, the right weapon can make all the difference. Pakistan not only built an atomic bomb—it mastered the means to deliver it.
The Shaheen III missile can reach any part of India. The Babur III missile, capable of operating from a submarine, can strike targets on land and at sea up to 700 kilometres away. Today, Pakistan’s defence remains impenetrable by the grace of Allah. May 28 continues to be a revered day for Muslims across the subcontinent and the globe. The mountains of Chagai remain guardians of Pakistan’s strength, echoing the call of Takbir. This success is not just a technological triumph—it is a symbol of Pakistan’s self-reliance, integrity and defensive sovereignty. On this day, Pakistan proved to the world that it can respond decisively to threats. Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and his team worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, backed by the government, the people and the armed forces. Youm-e-Takbir teaches us that when a nation is united, no goal is beyond reach.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
