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Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan laid to rest at H-8 graveyard in Islamabad

Dunya News

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away on Sunday.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The architect of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and renowned scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan was laid to rest at H-8 graveyard, Islamabad on Sunday.

Earlier funeral prayers of Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan was offered at Faisal Mosque in the federal capital.

In recognition of his outstanding services for the country and the nation, the government had announced a state funeral for him and as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the national flag of Pakistan shall fly at half-mast on Sunday.

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was ill from some time, passed away today at the age of 85.

Abdul Qadeer Khan was considered the father of Pakistan’s nuclear program and is revered at home as a hero for building the Muslim world’s first atomic bomb.

Dr Khan’s health started to deteriorate last night, after which he was brought to hospital in the morning. Doctors tried their best to save the scientist’s life, however, were unable to do so and he passed away. 

Reactions pour in over demise of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

Politicians of the country have expressed sorrow over sad demise of Pakistan’s nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

Government and Opposition members paid rich tributes and lauded the role of Dr Khan in nuclear program of the country.

Prime Minister, in a tweet, said that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was loved by our nation because of his critical contribution in making Pakistan a nuclear weapon state.

“This has provided us security against an aggressive much larger nuclear neighbor. For the people of Pakistan he was a national icon”, the premier added.

President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi said he knew Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan personally since 1982 and was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr Khan.

“He helped us develop nation-saving nuclear deterrence, and a grateful nation will never forget his services in this regard. May Allah bless him”, he added.

Rasheed took to twitter to post an old picture taken with the nuclear scientist, praying for his forgiveness.

"May Allah provide patience to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s relatives and those who are mourning his passing," he added.

President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif said that the passing of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is a huge loss for the country.

Opposition Leader of the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, in a tweet, said that today the nation has lost a true benefactor who served the motherland with heart and soul.

“His role in making Pakistan an atomic power remains central. May Allah shower his blessings on his soul”, he added.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar prayed for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s soul after hearing about his demise and said that he played a key role in making Pakistan invincible.

Defense Minister Parvez Khattak said he was deeply grieved over the news of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passing, adding that "Pakistan will forever honor his services to the nation".

“Nation is heavily indebted to him for his contributions in enhancing our defense capabilities”

Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood heaped praise on the nuclear scientist, referring to him as the "pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program".

"Sad to learn of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s death. He was a pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program and contributed immensely to our security. May his soul RIP," he tweeted.

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s death was a loss for the nation.

Born in 1936 in Bhopal, India, Dr Khan immigrated along with his family to Pakistan in 1947 after partition of the subcontinent.

In 1967, Khan obtained an engineer’s degree from a university in Netherlands and later joined the doctoral program in metallurgical engineering at a university in Belgium.

He was the first Pakistani to receive three presidential awards including Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

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