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Islamabad: In a powerful display of national unity, the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), commemorated Youm-e-Takbeer with a dignified and passionate ceremony at the S.M. Munir Auditorium. The event marked the anniversary of Pakistan’s historic achievement on May 28, 1998, when the country emerged as a declared nuclear power, forever altering the strategic landscape of South Asia.
The ceremony brought together an inspiring cross-section of business leaders, youth representatives, military veterans, government officials, and civil society members to reaffirm Pakistan’s strength, resilience, and sovereignty.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman PMYP and Chief Guest of the occasion, hailed Youm-e-Takbeer as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history. “May 28 is not just a date—it’s a declaration of our national resolve, our scientific prowess, and our self-reliance,” he asserted. He urged the nation’s youth to harness the same spirit of resilience to drive economic and technological progress.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos, Rana Mashhood revealed that 31 countries have expressed readiness to distance themselves from India and forge business ties with Pakistan, signaling a shifting geopolitical dynamic in the country’s favor. He lauded Pakistani youth for their outstanding cyber achievements in countering hostile narratives and disrupting adversarial operations. He further cautioned that any future breach of the Indus Waters Treaty by India would provoke a decisive and firm response from Pakistan.
Major General (Retd.) Zahid Mehmood reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. “After Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos, India has been forced to reconsider its posture. Our deterrence is real, and our resolve unbreakable,” he emphasized.
In his welcome address, ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi delivered a stirring message of patriotism and solidarity. “Youm-e-Takbeer is a golden chapter in our history—it signaled to the world that Pakistan’s defence is invincible,” he declared. “Every industrialist, trader, and entrepreneur stands shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and national leadership. Economic strength is national strength, and the private sector remains committed to building a secure and prosperous Pakistan.”
Former ICCI Presidents Mian Akram Farid and Zafar Bakhtawari also addressed the gathering. Mian Akram Farid stressed the intrinsic link between economic growth and national security, while Zafar Bakhtawari paid heartfelt tribute to Pakistan’s scientific and military leadership, including Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Renowned actor and filmmaker Shehzad Nawaz echoed these sentiments, lauding Pakistan’s nuclear capability as the bedrock of strategic deterrence and national sovereignty. He praised the professionalism and operational excellence of Pakistan’s armed forces during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos.
The event also highlighted the growing importance of digital warfare in national defence. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to social media influencers who played pivotal roles in countering disinformation campaigns and exposing hostile propaganda.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by ICCI Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, who reaffirmed the business community’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s interests and fostering a peaceful, sovereign, and prosperous future.
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