Nuclear Pakistani scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passes away

Pakistan’s renowned nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away Sunday after his health deteriorated.

Dr AQ Khan is considered the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and is revered at home as a hero for building the Muslim world’s first atomic bomb.

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s health started deteriorating Saturday night, after which he was brought to the KRL hospital Sunday morning in an ambulance, at 6:00am.

Sources said the nuclear scientist experienced discomfort in breathing after which he was brought to the hospital. However, his health took a turn for the worse when his lungs started bleeding.

Doctors tried their best to save the renowned scientist’s life, however, were unable to do so and he passed away at 7:04am. Doctors have said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away as his lungs collapsed.

The hospital administration is trying to make arrangements to shift Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s body to his E-7 residence, after which an announcement for the nuclear scientist’s funeral is expected to be made.

Speaking to Geo News, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed showered praise on the scientist, adding that all necessary arrangements were taken to save Dr Qadeer’s life.

When asked about the nuclear scientist’s funeral, Rasheed declined to comment, saying that he would speak on the matter later. 

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan became a national hero overnight, not only in Pakistan but in the Islamic world as well, when in May 1998 Pakistan gave a befitting response to India by conducting its nuclear tests.

Following the tests, Pakistan became the sole nuclear power in the Muslim world and the seventh country to possess nuclear weapons. Pakistan’s nuclear weapons have kept Indian aggression in check.

Reactions pour in over Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s demise

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar prayed for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s soul after hearing about his demise.

He paid tribute to the nuclear scientist by saying that he played a key role in making Pakistan invincible.

Defence 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”.

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.