Nawaz a source of pride for Pakistan, Ummah, says Azma

LAHORE : Punjab Information Minister, Azma Bokhari, in her special message on Youm-e-Takbeer, stated that May 28 is a golden and unforgettable day in Pakistan’s history, symbolising national pride and sovereignty.

She said that on May 28, 1998, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, rejecting global pressure, economic sanctions, and American offers—thereby becoming the first nuclear power in the Islamic world. Azma Bokhari emphasised that Nawaz Sharif, in a bold and unequivocal response to US pressure, raised the flag of national honour by firmly saying ‘Absolutely Not.’

By prioritising national sovereignty above all else, Nawaz Sharif crushed India's arrogance and made Pakistan’s defence invincible. She added that today, Pakistan's armed forces continue to maintain superiority over adversaries—a continuation of the firm and strategic decision made on May 28, 1998.

Highlighting the historical context, she said that while India took pride in its nuclear tests on May 10, Pakistan’s response on May 28 was a powerful and fitting reply that shattered India’s pride. ‘Elder brother Nawaz Sharif broke India’s arrogance, while younger brother Shehbaz Sharif made it bite the dust,’ she remarked.

Concluding her statement, Azma Bokhari said that Nawaz Sharif is not only a source of pride for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim Ummah. In every critical moment, he placed the nation's interests above all and proved to the world that Pakistan is a self-respecting and sovereign country.