ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan celebrates Youm-i-Takbeer today, marking the 26th anniversary of becoming a nuclear power, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has criticized the government for leveraging the nation’s nuclear achievements for political purposes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared May 28 a national holiday to commemorate Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests conducted in 1998. However, a PTI spokesperson accused the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of unjustly taking credit for the nuclear program, which the spokesperson emphasized was the result of national determination and the relentless efforts of skilled scientists, rather than the achievements of any single political party.
In a statement, the PTI spokesperson underscored that May 28 is celebrated as a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering resolve, determination, and unity. He stated that the country’s nuclear capability was developed with the support and participation of the entire nation, maintaining the principle of a minimum defense capability to restore regional balance and protect against a larger adversary.
The spokesperson criticized a particular group, implicitly referencing PML-N, for trying to exploit Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear program for their “vested political interests,” despite not contributing to the nation’s defense capabilities. He highlighted that figures such as former foreign minister Gohar Ayub Khan and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, often dubbed the ‘father of Pakistan’s atomic weapons program,’ played pivotal roles, not the political leaders claiming credit.
Additionally, the PTI spokesperson alleged that after India’s nuclear tests, then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s deteriorating health condition was a sign of his panic, casting further doubt on PML-N’s claims of fortifying the nation’s defense.
Allegations of ‘Worst Dictatorship’ Since Regime Change:
In a broader political context, PTI condemned the current government, describing it as the ‘worst individual dictatorship’ since the regime change operation, which they argue has eroded the Constitution and the rule of law in Pakistan.
The PTI spokesperson pointed to a recent statement by Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz, who claimed to be under political pressure and suffering business losses due to his refusal to submit to governmental demands. Riaz’s plight, the spokesperson suggested, is emblematic of a broader pattern of harassment and coercion faced by politicians, judges, journalists, lawyers, traders, and businesspeople, all being forced to conform to the whims of those in power.
In conclusion, PTI’s critique highlights significant political tensions surrounding the celebration of Youm-i-Takbeer, emphasizing the party’s stance that the nuclear program’s success belongs to the nation as a whole and criticizing the government’s current authoritarian approach.