a href="/myfiles/Images/2014/06/19/ki15_big.jpg" title="Members of PML-N Riyadh and from various parts of the Kingdom and GCC at the celebration held to mark "Takbeer Day." — SG photos " Members of PML-N Riyadh and from various parts of the Kingdom and GCC at the celebration held to mark "Takbeer Day." — SG photos RIYADH — Pakistanis celebrated “Takbeer Day” under the banner of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) with great enthusiasm here recently. “Takbeer Day” was coined on May 28, 1998 when Pakistan became the the seventh nuclear power of the world and the first Islamic country in the Muslim world. Ambassador of Pakistan to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan was the chief guest on the occasion. Khan called “Takbeer Day” “as one of the greatest day of Pakistan's history” while sharing his memories with the audience. “I was then serving as the counselor in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, and we had been told clearly that if Pakistan carried it's nuclear tests we have to face extreme sanctions and consequences. Regardless of all international pressure, our democratic government of that time under the premiership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had taken that bold and timely decision which was purely of national interest,” he said. He added: “Instead of the traditional reverse counting module to push the button zero, our nuclear team of scientists chanted “Allah O Akbar” and pressed that button for nuclear blasts...that's why we named this day as “Youm-e-takbeer.” The ambassador also thanked the Saudi Government's friendly and brotherly support which they had given to Pakistan under all crucial times especially at the times of nuclear explosions. “Pak-Saudi relations are on top level, numbers of bilateral agreements between the two brotherly countries are underway, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman's recent visit to Pakistan has boosted our brotherly relations.” Khan was awarded with beautiful crystal models as a memento in recognition of his marvelous performance as the Ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia. He also cut the cake on occasion. PML-N Riyadh's president Dr. Saeed Ahmed Waince was also in attendance along with league's other members — Ahmed Masood Puri and Abu Baker Memon from Jeddah, Malik Abid Awan from Makkah, Fakhar ul Islam from Bahrain, Khadim Rasool Butt from Sajir, Raja Riaz from Taif, among other workers. The keynote speakers of the occasion were Eng. Rashid Mahmood Butt, Awan, Islam, Masood Ahmed Puri, Amin Tajir, Raja Riaz, Mohammad Asghar Qureshi and Waince. Various other Pakistani parties and organizations in the Kingdom were present on this auspicious occasion. The welcome note was given by the senior Muslim league member Azhar Malik. The program was conducted by Asghar Chishti, which had started with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an followed by a Naat by Head of Chancery of Pakistan Embassy Abbas Sarwar Qureshi. Poetic tributes were presented by Waqar Naseem Wamiq and Javid Akhter Javid. The celebration took place at the community hall of the Pakistan Embassy, which was adorned with Pakistan flags and posters of national scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and PML-N leaders. Meldious national songs created a patriotic ambiance. — SG
