LAHORE: PML-N President Nawaz Sharif congratulated the nation on Youm-i-Takbeer (May 28) when Pakistan conducted nuclear tests 27 years ago in response to India.

`Nation is congratulated on Youm-i-Takbeer,` the elder Sharif wrote on his X account on Wednesday. He did not add anything else as Mr Sharif has largely remained out of the limelight.

In a seminar in connection with Youm-i-Takbeer, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that had Nawaz not conducted thenuclear tests on May 28, 1998, the situation in the region would be very different from what it was today.

`We do not desire war. Just look at the number of civilians who lost their lives in this recent conflict.

Pakistan wants to move forward toward a resolution of the Kashmir issue,` he said.

He said India even targeted Pakistan`s Neelum-Jhelum project.

The Pakistan army gave a strong and fitting response, he added.

`If India attacks again, it will receive a befitting response.

Pakistan will not initiate, but will respond decisively. The Kashmir issue has once againcome into global focus. The government has brought the Kashmir cause to a point where the world is now talking about it,` Mr Sadiq said.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that May 28 was an unforgettable day in Pakistan`s history, symbolising national pride and sovereignty.

She said Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, rejecting global pressure, economic sanctions, and American offers, becoming the first nuclear power in the Islamic world. She said Nawaz said to the US `Absolutely Not` when it pressured him not to conduct the nuclear tests.