PML-N leader Senator Abdul Qayyum says whole Pakistani leadership acted in unison, defying international pressure and conducting nuclear tests on May 28th, 1998 to make the country seventh nuclear power in the world.
He was speaking as guest in a special program conducted by News and Current Affairs Channel of Radio Pakistan in connection with 28th May celebrations titled “NA Jhukay Thay, Na Jhukain Gay.”
Lieutenant General, retired, Abdul Qayyum said the international pressure was mounting at the time to such an extent that the then US President Bill Clinton offered Pakistan five billion dollars in exchange for abdicating this ambition.
He said our politico-military leaders, under all governments, have provided full support and cooperation to country’s nuclear program. He said Dr A. Q. Khan is our national hero, who led a team of dedicated scientists and organized the program.
In addition to him, there are countless scientists and technicians who played a key role in successful culmination of Pakistan’s nuclear program. He also praised the political leadership including former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a pivotal role in development of Pakistan’s nuclear program.
Reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace, he said our nuclear program is purely for defense purposes and is not aimed at aggression. He said Pakistan had to go for nuclear option, as our eternal enemy India aggressively crossed border of East Pakistan in 1971 war in contravention of all international laws and norms regarding intervention. Besides, it was New Delhi that conducted nuclear test in 1974 first to endanger peace in the region.
Giving details of Pakistan’s nuclear program, he said it is being used for energy generation and other peaceful purposes including use in agriculture, medicine and other areas of importance in pursuit of sustainable goals.
Lieutenant General, retired, Abdul Qayyum said the nuclear option also provided us a potent deterrence to dissuade our enemies who harbor evil designs against us. He said the moment brought pride for whole Muslim world. He said after atomic explosion we now need economic explosion to stand tall in the comity of nations.
Source: Radio Pakistan