On May 18, 1974, India announced its first nuclear test. The routine broadcasts on All India Radio were interrupted as the announcer's voice echoed: "This morning at 8:05 AM, an underground nuclear test for peaceful purposes was conducted at an undisclosed location in western India." Immediately after this explosion, it became imperative for Pakistan to become a nuclear power itself to maintain the balance of power in the region and preserve its existence. Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto called Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan back from abroad, and work began with very limited resources and under unfavourable conditions. This effort continued in every subsequent era. The determination and resolve were firm, so no pressure, incentive, or difficulty could become an obstacle. In 1984, during General Zia-ul-Haq's era, Pakistan succeeded in developing nuclear weapons. Despite global support for the Afghan jihad, Pakistan was not in a position to conduct tests and become a member of the nuclear club.
Then, 24 years later, on May 11, 1998, India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, causing an uproar worldwide. After conducting five nuclear tests in three days, the tone of Indian leaders changed dramatically. LK Advani, a key BJP leader and Home Minister, openly threatened that if Pakistan did not cease its mischief, they would drop a "big bomb" (nuclear bomb) on it. India's attitude towards Pakistan had become extremely arrogant. The Pakistani nation was engulfed in deep sorrow and anger. Except for a few individuals, there was a consensus that Pakistan should respond with nuclear tests of its own.
The entire international community, including the United States, exerted immense pressure on Pakistan, which Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to endure. US President Bill Clinton called him not once but five times, using both pressure and incentives simultaneously. Throughout this nerve-wracking ordeal, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif remained steadfast as a wise leader, showing no signs of weakness. Some high-ranking military officials, intellectuals, and a few individuals in Pakistan believed that since Pakistan had already become a nuclear power, it should take advantage of the financial aid offered by the international community, including the US, to stabilize its economy. At one point, Majid Nizami addressed the Prime Minister with a historic statement: "Mian Sahib, if you conduct a nuclear test, America will explode (sanction) you, and if you don't, the nation will explode (reject) you."
What was in Nawaz Sharif's heart? His body language made it clear—later proven—that he had already decided from day one that, regardless of the consequences, Pakistan would conduct nuclear tests. Though he appeared to be consulting others, he had signalled scientists and engineers to prepare immediately after India's tests. They had informed him that at least ten days would be needed to conduct the tests.
Then came the historic day of May 28 when, in the mountains of Chagai, Pakistan conducted five nuclear tests, followed by a sixth the next day, giving India a resounding response. Pakistan's prestige soared worldwide. While sanctions were imposed, friendly nations and the Muslim Ummah rejoiced. As the seventh nuclear power emerged on the global stage, India stopped issuing threats and began offering negotiations.
Much water has flowed under the bridge since then, but it is worth reflecting on how Pakistan treated Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Nawaz Sharif. Years later, Saqib Nisar even attempted to pressure Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand. In contrast, India honoured its missile programme scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam with the presidency.
Just as Pakistan responded to India's 1998 nuclear tests with its own, May 2025 presented another opportunity for Pakistan to shine on the global stage through military supremacy. On May 6, in response to India's aggression, the Pakistani armed forces humiliated India, marking a glorious chapter in military history. Defeated and humiliated, Modi, in despair, is now urging Pakistani youth to rebel against their own country. Before this, India, trapped in delusions, claimed that what it could not achieve against Pakistan and its army despite spending billions of dollars, Imran Khan and his party accomplished by creating internal chaos.
Meanwhile, after India's crushing defeat in the war and with no hope left in Modi, Jemima has entered her sons into the fray, while Aleema Khan has also begun making noise. Now, the establishment must decide whether to silence political troublemakers and digital terrorists along with terrorist organizations like TTP and BLA or allow the chaos and fake news to continue.
A truly victorious state is one that improves the lives of its people, ensuring peace, prosperity, and happiness. Otherwise, even North Korea is a powerful nation. Estimates suggest North Korea possesses 50 nuclear weapons, with enough uranium or plutonium to produce 90 more. It has various types of lethal missiles with ranges between 500 to 10,000 kilometres, as well as submarine-launched ballistic missiles with ranges of 3,000 to 5,000 kilometres. North Korea is an ally of both Russia and China. Militarily, it is so influential that even former US President Donald Trump met with its leader Kim Jong-un during his first term.
Despite such immense military power, the people of North Korea suffer from extreme poverty. Truly victorious nations are those that prioritize development and public welfare. To achieve the true objectives of Pakistan's creation, the political and military leadership must now focus entirely on this path.