The federal government has officially declared May 28 a public holiday in observance of YoumeTakbeer, commemorating Pakistan’s historic nuclear tests conducted in 1998 at Chagai, Balochistan.
A notification was issued by the Establishment Division on Tuesday confirming the holiday. The Sindh government had already announced a public holiday a day earlier, stating that all provincial offices, local councils, and government departments would remain closed on May 28.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has also announced a closure on the same day, as per an official notice issued by the Chief Market Operations Officer.
YoumeTakbeer marks the day when Pakistan became the first Muslimmajority country and the seventh nation globally to possess nuclear capability, in response to India’s nuclear tests.
The day will be celebrated with national fervor and patriotic enthusiasm. Various ceremonies, seminars, and conferences will be organized nationwide.
During these events, speakers will shed light on the historic nuclear tests and pay tribute to the national hero Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and others for their pivotal role in making Pakistan a nuclear power.
Celebrations across the country will include cakecutting ceremonies commemorating Pakistan’s nuclear achievement, public rallies, and special prayers for the security and prosperity of the nation.
It is worth mentioning that on May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests in the rugged mountains of Chagai, Balochistan, in response to India’s nuclear tests, thus becoming the seventh nuclear power in the world.
Prior to this, the countries with nuclear capability included the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, France, and India.
Pakistan’s tests not only positioned it among global nuclear powers but also gave it the distinct honor of being the first Islamic country to possess nuclear weapons.