Youm-i-Takbeer symbolised the collective effort of all facets of national power, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday as he hailed the day when the country became a nuclear power.

“May 28 signifies more than just a mere commemoration of a day; it encapsulates the narrative of our nation’s arduous yet remarkable path towards establishing a credible minimum deterrence,” he said in a post on X.

Youm-i-Takbeer is observed on May 28 to commemorate the day in 1998 when Pakistan joined the list of nuclear powers after atomic tests in the hills of Chagai, Balochistan. Pakistan became the seventh nuclear nation in the world and the first Muslim state to have a nuclear arsenal.

On Monday, PM Shehbaz declared a public holiday on Tuesday (today) across the country on account of the day.

In his post, PM Shehbaz praised former PM Nawaz Sharif’s “bold leadership” by rejecting pressures and inducements to make Pakistan a nuclear armed nation.

Over the years, the PML-N has claimed that it was offered billions of dollars to stall the nuclear programme by the-then US government. But the party said “absolutely no” to the offer.

“I also pay tribute to Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme for his strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to the cause,” he said.

The premier added that the country overcame what seemed like an “insurmountable challenge” by achieving the milestone in its defence capabilities.

Acting president Gilani said that Youm-i-Takbeer served as a “testament to our nation’s resilience, unwavering determination and commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability”.

In a statement shared by the President’s House, he described the day as a “pivotal moment in our history”. He admitted that the “journey to becoming a nuclear state was not without its difficulties”.

He said: “Our leadership and scientists braved various challenges to achieve this remarkable feat.” The acting president acknowledged the hard work of scientists and engineers “without whom this achievement would not have been possible”.

Gilani highlighted that Bhutto’s “efforts led to making Pakistan a nuclear state” and also appreciated former premier Benazir Bhutto’s “decision as the opposition leader of the time to support Mian Nawaz Sharif for conducting nuclear tests”.

He added that it was the collective determination of our civil and military leadership as well as our scientific acumen that propelled the country forward.

“Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, firmly believes in the peaceful resolution of conflicts. We are also strictly adhering to international standards, and have implemented stringent controls and comprehensive safety measures to safeguard our nuclear assets,” the acting president said.

In a statement, the Inter Services Public Relations said that the armed forces paid tribute to the “unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifices of all those who contributed to this remarkable feat, achieved against overwhelming odds”.

The military’s media wing said that the armed forces “reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland, protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure the nation’s security at all times and any cost.”