Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday “surge in the aggressive designs of India†had forced Paki-stan to conduct nuclear tests in 1998.
In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, celebrated to mark Pakistan’s nuclear tests, Mr Sharif reminded the nation about the “historic background of the eventâ€. “On May 11, 1998, India’s nuclear tests had disturbed the balance of power in the South Asian region. There was a surge in the aggressive designs of India as it not only showed its intentions of sending armed forces to (Pakistan-occupied) Kashmir with converging of the Army on the Line of Control but its defence minister also announced that the Indian Army would be armed with nuclear weapons,†he said.
“Under such a nerve wrecking situation, we started consultation to cope with the Indian threat and face the international pressure mounting on the country for not conducting nuclear tests,†Mr Sharif added. “But fortunately by keeping the spirit and thoughts of the whole nation and national interest in sight, we took the decision and by the grace of Almighty Allah, on May 28, 1998, Pakistan became a nuclear powerâ€, he said.
Mr Sharif said that after conducting nuclear tests, defence of Pakistan became impregnable and the enemies could not dare to look towards it with bad intentions. He said now the “enemies†have changed their strategy and were trying to weaken the country internally.
He said that Youm-e-Takbeer is indeed a day of pride for the Pakistani nation and Muslims all over the globe.
“With the blessing of Almighty Allah, Pakistan became the seventh nuclear power of the world, so the nation while reiterating its resolve for the solidarity and unity of Pakistan should celebrate the occasionâ€, he said.
On Thursday, foreign office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said that Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement on sponsoring terrorism is a matter of concern not only for Pakistan but the entire world. Last week, Mr Parrikar had said that any country planning and plotting terror attacks against India will be dealt with “pro-activelyâ€.
During a weekly news briefing here, Mr Khalilullah said that Pakistan is the biggest victim of terrorism and has suffered more than any other country in the world. He said Pakistan has lost more than 50,000 lives and suffered economic losses to the tune of hundred billion dollars. He said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation.
Pakistan will take all appropriate steps required to protect national interest, he added. To a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to have good neighbourly relations with all its neighbours, including India. “This is the vision of Prime Minister and we are pursuing it with all sincerityâ€, he added. The spokesperson said they are aware that Indian is carrying out campaign against Pakistan-China Economic Corridor, which is not a positive thing. He said the corridor is beneficial for the whole region and Pakistan and China are committed to execute the project.
Source from India Defence News.
