Shibli terms nuclear capability as guarantee of security

As there were no grand celebrations to mark Yaum-e-Takbeer due to Covid-19 pandemic, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz on Thursday reiterated that nuclear capability was the guarantee of country's security and safety.
In commemoration of 22nd anniversary of its six nuclear tests, which Pakistan had conducted in Chaghi district of Balochistan on May 28, 1998, Faraz said national dignity and integrity was paramount for the nation, which stood united for its defense and development of the country.
The information minister said Pakistan had the honour of being the only nuclear power in Muslim-majority countries on this day, and there would be no compromise on the security and defence of the country.
In a tweet, the minister said Pakistan's nuclear power was the guarantor of the safety and security of the country and its people.
He asked Maryam Nawaz - the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif - not to associate the hard work and efforts of a generation that made Pakistan a nuclear power with her family.
The nation was aware of those who leave their workers alone and run away from the field every time, he said, adding those who could not remain faithful to their narrative, how could they be expected to fulfill promises made with the people.
"The loyalty of the PML-N leadership is not with soil but with few bucks for which they're known for," he added.
Manifestations of their loyalty could be seen all over the world in the form of Avenfield and other properties, adding the nation will never forgive those who made fortunes for their own children at the cost of the country's youth.
Pakistan conducted nuclear tests two weeks after India test fired five nuclear missiles during a period of May 11-13, 1998 in Pokhran range of Rajasthan state, which borders Sindh province, triggering a new arms race in the already tense region.
The director-general Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen Babar Iftikhar said Islamabad restored balance of power in the region by successfully establishing a credible and minimum nuclear deterrence.
"Armed forces salute all those involved from conceptualization to actualization, especially scientists and engineers who made this possible. Long Live Pakistan," he tweeted.
"It was a historic moment in the country's history. It was a very tough decision as several big powers had pressured Nawaz Sharif not to conduct the tests," said Shahid Khaqan, an ex-premier of PML-N whose party had conducted the nuclear tests in 1998.