Huriya Shakeel Qureshi 
Huriya Shakeel Qureshi 
Some decisions do not only change a period of time; they redefine the course of history. One such historic decision was taken by Pakistan on 28 May 1998, when major powers and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee continuously pressured Pakistan against conducting nuclear tests. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif firmly declared that Pakistan would not sacrifice its honour, defence, and sovereignty. Consequently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and with the significant contributions of renowned Pakistani scientists Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Pakistan responded decisively. On 28 May 1998, Pakistan conducted five successful nuclear tests in the mountains of Chagai, Balochistan, becoming the world’s seventh nuclear power and the first nuclear power in the Muslim world.
In South Asia, India and Pakistan have experienced tense relations since their creation. India continuously strengthened its weapons capabilities through systems such as the Prithvi missile, with an approximate range of 350 km, and the Agni-I missile, whose latest versions reached up to 2,000 km, creating serious concerns for Pakistan. In response, Pakistan developed the Hatf-V/Ghauri missile with an approximate range of 1,500 km and advanced capabilities against anti-missile systems. In his 2012 book Eating Grass, Feroz Hassan Khan quoted former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as saying, “We are fighting a thousand-year war with India, and we will make an atomic bomb even if we have to eat grass.” Following India’s first nuclear test in 1974, Pakistan’s leadership demonstrated strong determination to pursue its nuclear program. On 24 May 1998, a PIA flight travelling from Gwadar to Karachi with 24 passengers and five crew members was hijacked by three armed individuals who attempted to reroute the aircraft to Jodhpur, India. The pilots demonstrated exceptional presence of mind by diverting the aircraft to Hyderabad instead of its intended destination. The hijackers were later apprehended by Pakistani security forces and reportedly claimed to be Indian agents.
In May 1998, the nuclear rivalry in South Asia reached a critical point. India conducted its series of nuclear tests at Pokhran, the same site used in 1974, and officially declared itself a nuclear state. In response, Pakistan conducted its first nuclear tests on 28 May 1998 at the Chagai Hills, followed by another test on 30 May, officially becoming a nuclear-armed state. Today, Youm-e-Takbeer is remembered not only as a symbol of scientific achievement, but also as a reflection of national unity, resilience, and the determination of the Pakistani nation.
The journey began in 1953 when Pakistan cooperated with the United States under President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” initiative. Pakistan later expanded KANUPP in Karachi in 1972 and established the NIAB nuclear research institute in Faisalabad. Pakistan rejected the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 on the grounds that it discriminated against non-nuclear states. By 1998, after India carried out the Pokhran-II tests, Pakistan faced immense international pressure, including G8 concerns, UN Security Council Resolution 1172, and existing US sanctions under the Pressler Amendment, which included restrictions on F-16 aircraft and financial assistance.
Despite Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif facing direct pressure from US President Bill Clinton not to conduct nuclear tests, along with visits by high-level international delegations urging restraint, Pakistan’s leadership chose the policy of “Credible Minimum Deterrence” for its national security and future stability. On 28 May 1998, beneath the mountains of Chagai, that decision echoed across the world.
Pakistan’s nuclear capability has remained one of the most significant achievements in its history and continues to play an important role in its future security. Youm-e-Takbeer is remembered as a symbol of achievement, unity, courage, and the strengthening of Pakistan’s defence system. The efforts of Pakistani leaders and scientists were highly significant, as they demonstrated the ability to make independent decisions even under intense international pressure. This achievement boosted the confidence of the nation while safeguarding the sovereignty of the state. Nuclear capability also established deterrence and created a balance of power in the South Asian region. Youm-e-Takbeer not only transformed Pakistan’s global image but also contributed towards preventing future large-scale conflicts.
In conclusion, despite immense international pressure, Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests on 28 May 1998, becoming the first nuclear power in the Muslim world. This achievement symbolizes national unity, courage, and determination to protect the country’s sovereignty and future security. Youm-e-Takbeer marked a turning point in Pakistan’s history, strengthening its defence, sovereignty, and standing in the international community.
