Meaning: This quote is attributed to Ayub Khan, the second President of Pakistan who served from 1958 to 1969. It reflects the assertion of Pakistan's nuclear capabilities and its advanced missile program during his presidency. This statement is significant in the context of Pakistan's history and its pursuit of nuclear weapons technology, as well as the subsequent implications for regional and global security.

During Ayub Khan's presidency, Pakistan was engaged in a period of significant military and technological development. The country was actively seeking to establish itself as a regional power, and the acquisition of nuclear weapons and advanced missile capabilities was a crucial aspect of this strategy. Ayub Khan's statement underscores the assertive posture adopted by Pakistan in the realm of defense and security during this time.

The mention of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program is particularly noteworthy. Pakistan's pursuit of nuclear technology dates back to the 1950s, and it became a clandestine nuclear weapons state in the late 1990s. However, Ayub Khan's statement suggests that the groundwork for this program was being laid during his presidency. The development of nuclear weapons had significant implications for Pakistan's national security posture and its strategic calculus vis-à-vis its neighbors, particularly India.

Furthermore, the reference to an advanced missile program highlights Pakistan's efforts to enhance its military capabilities beyond the realm of nuclear weapons. Missile technology has been a key focus of Pakistan's defense modernization efforts, with the development of various types of ballistic and cruise missiles. These capabilities have added a new dimension to Pakistan's strategic posture and its ability to project power in the region.

Ayub Khan's statement also needs to be understood in the broader geopolitical context of the time. During the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union had a significant impact on regional dynamics, including in South Asia. Pakistan's pursuit of nuclear weapons and advanced missile technology occurred against the backdrop of this global power competition, with implications for regional stability and security.

The implications of Pakistan's nuclear and missile capabilities have been a subject of intense debate and concern in international relations. The development of these technologies has raised questions about nuclear proliferation, arms control, and the potential for conflict escalation in the region. Pakistan's nuclear posture, often characterized by a doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, has been a source of both reassurance and apprehension in the international community.

In summary, Ayub Khan's statement encapsulates the assertive pursuit of nuclear weapons and advanced missile capabilities by Pakistan during his presidency. It reflects a pivotal period in Pakistan's military and technological development, with enduring implications for regional and global security. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with nuclear proliferation and the pursuit of advanced military technologies in the contemporary world.