Nuclear programme has made Pakistan's defence impregnable, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said today on the anniversary of first ever nuclear weapon testing by the country in 1998.
He said the day will be remembered as a crucial milestone like Independence Day in the history of Pakistan.
The day is observed every year as Youm-e-Takbeer.
"Pakistan nuclear programme has made country's defence impregnable," he said in his message.
He also said that the day was a golden chapter of the history of the country.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan's atomic programme is aimed at ensuring peace in South Asia and maintaining balance of power in the region.
He also said that Pakistan military is a shield against external threats and an effective tool to foil the designs of those engaged in destabilising the country internally.
He said that peace has returned to the country and the economy stabilised as Pakistan was marching towards becoming an economic power.
The premier said that several projects have been launched under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and these projects will change the destiny of the country.
Vice President of China National Nuclear Corporation in
his speech said cooperation with Pakistan in nuclear energy was reflective of strategic ties between the two countries.
The completion of Chashma-3 will strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, he said, adding that nuclear power plants are playing a vital role in economic development of Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Atomic Energy Commission Muhammad Naeem said the Commission had been given a target of 8800 MW of nuclear power till 2030.
To achieve this target, planning for establishment of more plants have been done and places identified and research work in this regard is going on, Naeem said.
He said three plants have been planned, out of which one will be established in Chashma and two in Muzaffargard.
Necessary skill has been acquired to prepare fuel for nuclear power plants and in Chashma land has been acquired for fuel fabrication plant, he said, addding that presently fuel for Chashma power plants are being imported from China.
