by In a recent address that reignited discussions around Pakistan’s defence capabilities, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif highlighted his party’s pivotal role in the country’s strategic military advancements. Citing the nuclear programme and the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet as hallmark achievements, Sharif firmly credited the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for laying the foundations of Pakistan’s modern defence infrastructure.
His remarks, delivered during a political gathering, serve as both a reminder of Pakistan’s complex military history and a strategic move to reinforce the PML-N’s image as a party of national strength and security.
🔒 Nuclear Programme: The Historic Detonation of 1998
One of Nawaz Sharif’s most enduring legacies is his decision to conduct nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, in response to India’s nuclear tests earlier that month. The Chagai-I series of tests not only made Pakistan the seventh nuclear power in the world but also demonstrated its resolve to maintain strategic parity in South Asia.
In his recent speech, Nawaz Sharif recalled the immense pressure from global powers, particularly the United States, to refrain from nuclear testing. He alleged that financial incentives and threats were offered to dissuade him, but he stood firm in prioritizing national interest over international appeasement.
“It was a difficult time,” Sharif said. “Sanctions were looming, pressure was immense, but the nation stood behind us, and we delivered what was necessary for Pakistan’s security.”
Sharif’s decision to go nuclear is often regarded as one of the most defining moments in Pakistan’s defence history. While the groundwork for the programme was laid by former Prime Ministers and scientists like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, Nawaz Sharif’s government played a crucial role in executing the final decision when the moment arrived.
✈️ JF-17 Thunder: A New Era in Air Defence
Another significant achievement Nawaz Sharif credited to his party was the development of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter aircraft jointly produced by Pakistan and China.
Though the actual development spanned decades and involved multiple administrations, Sharif emphasized that it was during the PML-N’s tenure that crucial milestones were reached in the JF-17 program. The aircraft, developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in collaboration with Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC) of China, symbolizes Pakistan’s growing independence in defence manufacturing.
“It was under our leadership that the vision for a self-reliant air defence system began to materialize,” said Nawaz Sharif. “The JF-17 Thunder is not just a plane; it is a symbol of our capability, innovation, and resolve.”
The JF-17 Thunder has since become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), replacing aging fleets and significantly boosting Pakistan’s aerial combat capabilities. It has also garnered international interest, with countries like Nigeria and Myanmar purchasing the aircraft, marking Pakistan’s entry into the global arms market.
🛡️ Political Messaging: National Security as a Vote-Winner
Nawaz Sharif’s recent statements come at a politically sensitive time, with the PML-N attempting to reclaim its influence amidst economic turbulence and shifting public sentiment. By highlighting achievements in the defence sector, Sharif is likely aiming to reinforce the image of the PML-N as a party of strength, sovereignty, and security.
This approach is not new in South Asian politics. National defence and strategic autonomy have long been used as political capital to garner public support. By aligning his party with Pakistan’s most critical military milestones, Sharif is attempting to tap into a deep reservoir of national pride and strategic consciousness.
Analysts suggest this rhetoric could resonate strongly with older voters and defence-oriented constituencies, particularly in Punjab and urban centers, where nationalism often intersects with political allegiance.
🧪 Historical Accuracy vs. Political Ownership
While Nawaz Sharif’s role in the nuclear tests is undisputed, critics argue that attributing full credit to the PML-N for programmes like the JF-17 may oversimplify a complex history.
The JF-17 project traces its roots back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, with major development occurring under successive governments, including Pervez Musharraf’s military regime and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Defence projects of such magnitude typically involve long-term planning, cross-party consensus, and collaboration across military and civilian institutions.
Nonetheless, it is also true that political will and timely funding, especially during the PML-N’s 2013–2018 tenure, played a significant role in accelerating the induction and mass production of the JF-17 into the PAF fleet.
🚀 Looking Ahead: Defence and Political Legacy
As Pakistan faces a complex web of challenges—from economic instability to regional security threats—the discourse around self-reliance in defence remains highly relevant. Nawaz Sharif’s attempt to position the PML-N as a key driver of that self-reliance may serve as a strategic advantage in the political arena.
With increasing global focus on regional tensions and technological modernization in South Asia, Pakistan’s defence posture remains under scrutiny. In this context, the legacy of nuclear deterrence and indigenous military production continues to shape national identity and political narratives.
📢 Conclusion: More Than Just Political Rhetoric?
Nawaz Sharif’s comments are more than just an exercise in political nostalgia—they are a calculated reminder of moments when Pakistan asserted its sovereignty and self-sufficiency. Whether seen as political messaging or historical correction, his remarks reflect a broader truth: national security achievements resonate deeply with the Pakistani public.
By tying the PML-N’s identity to these accomplishments, Nawaz Sharif is not just recounting history—he’s shaping the narrative for the party’s future.
Keywords: Nawaz Sharif, PML-N, Pakistan nuclear programme, JF-17 Thunder, defence achievements, political legacy, Pakistan Air Force, national security, strategic deterrence, South Asia.
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