New York Times, May 1998: “A poor nation has pulled off the impossible — and the West must reassess.” May 28, 1998 — a day that echoed like thunder across the global defense landscape. A day when a Muslim nuclear power emerged from the shadows of silence. A day when the world could no longer ignore the will of a sovereign state determined to preserve its dignity, deterrence, and destiny. This day is celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer — “The Day of Greatness” — marking Pakistan’s successful nuclear tests in Chagai, Balochistan. But beyond the mushroom clouds and shockwaves lies a story of resilience, brilliance, betrayal, and ultimately, defiance. It’s a story of how Pakistan — under immense pressure, sanctions, sabotage, and surveillance — built the most secure, lethal, and independent nuclear program in the Muslim world. Pakistan built its nuclear program without any formal international assistance . The Spark: A Quest for Sovereignty Amidst Hostility The seeds of Pakistan’s nuclear...