ISLAMABAD – After observing International Labour Day on May 1, the next official public holiday in Pakistan is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to mark Youm-e-Takbeer, according to the federal government’s official holiday calendar for 2025.
The notification outlines public and optional holidays for various religious and national events, including those celebrated by minorities.
Significance of Youm-e-Takbeer:
Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998, which marked the country’s entry into the list of global nuclear powers. With these tests, Pakistan became:
- The 7th nuclear nation in the world
- The first Muslim country to possess nuclear weapons
The decision, taken under the leadership of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, came in response to regional security dynamics and was carried out despite international pressure. The foundation for this milestone was laid by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who famously declared that Pakistan would achieve nuclear capability even if it meant going hungry.
The day is observed nationwide to honor the country’s scientific achievement and reaffirm its commitment to national defense and peaceful deterrence.
