Sindh govt announces public holiday on May 28

Country to mark historic day on May 28 when Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests in Chaghai hills in 1998

By
Web Desk
|
Shaheen-III missile, capable of carrying nuclear war heads, loaded on a trailer rolls down during a military parade. — Reuters/File
Shaheen-III missile, capable of carrying nuclear war heads, loaded on a trailer rolls down during a military parade. — Reuters/File

The Sindh government has announced a public holiday on May 28 to mark the historic day, known as Youm-e-Takbeer, when Pakistan conducted successful nuclear tests in the hills of Chaghai in 1998.

The provincial government issued a notification regarding the closure of the government and private institutions.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) also announced that it will remain closed on May 28.

— PSX
— PSX

May 28 is observed as a gazette holiday across the country which was already notified by the Cabinet Division last year.

Pakistan, with the successful nuclear tests, became the seventh nuclear-armed country in the world and the first in the Islamic world.

India tested its "device" for the first time in 1974 which compelled Pakistan to expedite its nuclear programme with renewed commitment.

Amid slogans of "Allah-o-Akbar", Pakistan conducted its first test on May 28, 1998, at the Ras Koh hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan.

The nuclear tests not only demonstrated Pakistan's resolve to safeguard the country's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty but also the desire to preserve strategic balance in South Asia.