Pakistan Reflects on Nuclear Achievement in Run Up to Election

Bottom Line:   Pakistani citizens are heading to the polls next month in a public display of democracy and choice. Yet, with Pakistan’s military continuing to play a leading role in the country’s political affairs, it seems that the upcoming elections will once again amount to a stamp on an otherwise inevitable outcome.

The elections come on the heels of Pakistan’s 20^th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, the day commemorating the country’s first nuclear test. For Pakistan, Youm-e-Takbeer symbolizes the country’s monumental achievement of becoming the first Muslim nation to obtain a nuclear weapon. The day also emphasized Pakistan’s resolve for defense and solidarity.