Islamabad: Nuclear programme has made Pakistan’s defence impregnable, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said 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. — PTI