Pakistan on Monday marked Youm-e-Takbeer (Day of Greatness), the 20th anniversary of its first nuclear tests.
The tests were conducted in response to five nuclear tests conducted by India.
“Pakistan has remained steadfast in its commitment to non-proliferation and global peace and strategic stability,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The country has “developed robust command and control systems… effective nuclear safety and security regimes and export controls” that are in line with international standards, the ministry added.
“Pakistan has taken significant measures to ensure comprehensive nuclear security, which have been acknowledged internationally.”
Maria Sultan, director-general of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, told Arab News: “This is a day of great triumph for Pakistan and its people.”
She said: “Through nuclear capability, the people of Pakistan and the region have paved the way for regional economic stability.”
She added: “There’s no doubt that nuclear weapons have added to Pakistan’s security. India and Pakistan have had numerous rungs of instability, but it’s only through nuclear deterrence that a major war didn’t break out between the two countries.”
Sultan said: “India is the largest defense spender in the region. It’s only through nuclear capability that we’re not part of an arms race.”
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said observing Youm-e-Takbeer is an opportunity to reiterate Pakistani resolve.