ISLAMABAD – The Minister of Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s nuclear capability as a guarantor of peace in the region, emphasizing its role in establishing full-spectrum deterrence and maintaining regional power balance, particularly against India.
He made these remarks in a video statement during an event hosted by the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute (SASSI) University to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer. This event marked the nation’s historic nuclear tests conducted on May 28 and 30, 1998.
In his address, Khawaja Asif asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear capability serves as a robust defensive measure, deterring aggression and safeguarding national sovereignty. He referenced past aggressive actions, such as the Balakot incident, to highlight Pakistan’s readiness to respond to any threats, emphasizing that any act of war would have severe consequences for the aggressor.
He also paid tribute to the scientists, engineers, and all those who developed Pakistan’s nuclear program. Reflecting on the pressures faced by Pakistan in making the decision to conduct nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, he commended then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his momentous decision to go nuclear.
Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, extended his congratulations to the nation and the Armed Forces in a written statement, lauding the 1998 nuclear tests for establishing credible minimum deterrence and restoring regional power equilibrium.
He paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of the scientists, engineers, and officials who were instrumental in achieving this milestone and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Dean of Social Sciences at Quaid-e-Azam University, highlighted the strategic importance of nuclear capabilities for nuclear-armed states and key regional actors. He called for a comprehensive review of global nuclear dynamics and regional challenges, advocating for the modernization of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and doctrine, and the acceleration of the civilian nuclear energy program.
Dr. Maria Sultan, Chairperson and Director General of SASSI University, discussed the impact of nuclear posture and doctrine on regional military order and future nuclear program expansions in South Asia. She emphasized the ongoing debate between compellence and deterrence and the future of the nuclear order in the third nuclear age.
Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, echoed the support and congratulations to the nation on this historic event. Recalling the events of May 1998, he stated that although Pakistan faced significant international pressure, it also had the support of friends who understood that Pakistan developed its nuclear capability solely as a last measure of defense. He stressed that national resolve is a key element in nuclear deterrence and affirmed that Pakistan has ample resolve when it comes to its defense.
Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi, Executive Director of the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), noted that Pakistan was a reluctant nuclear weapon state. However, the international community’s response to the Indian nuclear tests of May 11, 1998, left Pakistan with no choice but to conduct its own tests on May 28, 1998. He pointed out the very real possibility of an attack on Pakistan’s nuclear capability had it not tested its weapons.
The event emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to being a responsible nuclear state, ensuring regional stability, and pursuing peaceful nuclear technology advancements to maintain credible deterrence in an ever-changing environment. It concluded with a documentary on the May 28, 1998, tests and a vote of thanks to the heroes of Pakistan’s nuclear program. The event was attended by a large number of people from various walks of life, including media, academia, the Armed Forces, national security, and the diplomatic corps.
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