The Asian Age

‘N-tests in 1998 made defence impregnabl­e’

- SHAFQAT ALI

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Saturday said the 1998 nuclear tests made the national defense impregnabl­e.

He said the nation was showing unity to make Pakistan “an Asian tiger” in economic terms as it had shown unity in 1998 when the country carried out nuclear tests.

In his message to the nation on Youm-eTakbeer (grand day), the PM said May 28, 1998 was an “unforgetta­ble day” in the history of Pakistan when the country became an atomic power.

“Youm-e-Takbeer is not only a symbol of bravery of Pakistan, it’s also a strong message to the enemies that aggressors against Pakistan would meet an exemplary fate,” he said.

Sharif said some 19 years ago, when the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)-led government decided to carry out the nuclear tests, it had been facing numerous challenges.

“On one side, there was economic concern, and on the other hand it (the test) was being dubbed as an unforgivea­ble offence. The leadership accepted the challenges and kept the national dignity supreme. The nation is also thankful to the personalit­ies who showed bravery at the time and played their role to make Pakistan an atomic power,” he said.

The PM said if the

national leadership shows bravery, the nation gets confidence and achieves progress.

“Nineteen years ago, we made the country’s defence impregnabl­e. Today, with same dedication and passion, Pakistan’s economy is also being made strong and stable. In this age, the defence of any nation cannot be separated from its economic stability,” he said.

The Prime Minister said “just like nuclear explosion, Pakistan will also carry out an economic explosion.

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Kim Jong Un

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