In a powerful display of national unity and pride, the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), commemorated Youm-e-Takbeer at a dignified and passionate ceremony held at the S.M. Munir Auditorium. The event marked Pakistan’s historic achievement on May 28, 1998, when the nation became a declared nuclear power, forever altering the strategic balance in South Asia.
The ceremony brought together an inspiring cross-section of business leaders, youth representatives, military veterans, government officials, and members of civil society 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 watershed moment in Pakistan’s history. “May 28 is not just a date—it is a declaration of our national resolve, our scientific capability, and our self-reliance,” he stated. He called on the youth to channel the same spirit of determination into driving economic and technological progress.
Shedding light on Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos launched following Quranic inspiration. He revealed that 31 countries have expressed willingness to distance themselves from India and initiate business ties with Pakistan, signaling a geopolitical shift in Pakistan’s favor. He praised Pakistani youth for their exceptional performance in the cyber domain, which, he said, played a critical role in countering hostile narratives and disrupting enemy operations. He also warned that any future breach of the Indus Water Treaty by India would provoke a firm and decisive response from Pakistan.
Major General (Retd.) Zahid Mehmood reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty and national interests. “After Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos , India has been forced to reconsider its posture. Our deterrence is real, and our resolve is unbreakable,” he declared.
In his welcome address, President ICCI, Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, delivered a stirring message of patriotism and solidarity. “Youm-e-Takbeer is a golden chapter in our history—it was the day Pakistan declared to the world that our defence is invincible,” he said. “Every industrialist, every trader, and every entrepreneur of Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and national leadership. Economic strength is national strength. The private sector will continue to play its part in building a secure and prosperous Pakistan, he concluded. The President’s remarks reflected a deep sense of national pride and a visionary outlook, linking economic progress with strategic resilience.
Former ICCI Presidents Mian Akram Farid and Zafar Bakhtawari also addressed the gathering. Mian Akram Farid emphasized the inseparable link between economic development 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.
Prominent actor and filmmaker Shehzad Nawaz echoed the sentiments of national pride, lauding Pakistan’s nuclear capability as a cornerstone of strategic deterrence and self-reliance. He praised the professionalism and excellence of Pakistan’s armed forces during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos.
The ceremony also recognized the emerging front of digital warfare. Certificates were awarded to social media influencers who played a significant role in countering misinformation and exposing disinformation campaigns led by hostile media outlets.
ICCI Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui delivered the vote of thanks, reaffirming the business community’s unshakeable resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests and to work in close collaboration with all stakeholders for a peaceful, prosperous, and sovereign future.
ICCI Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, former Presidents Zahid Maqbool, Mian Shaukat Masood, Shakil Munir, Executive Members Najeeb Ellahi Malik, Naveed Satti, Chaudhry Naeem, Rohail Anwar Butt, Sanaullah Khan, Imran Minhas, Ishaq Sial, Irfan Chaudhry, Zulqurnain Abbasi and other were also present.