VIDEO: Father of Pakistan's nuclear programme Abdul Qadeer Khan gets state funeral, laid to rest in Islamabad
People move with an ambulance carrying the casket of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan (inset) following his funeral prayer in Islamabad on Sunday. AP
Tariq Butt, Correspondent
Eminent nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was known as the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85.The funeral prayers of the deceased scientist were offered at Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque with state honours, before being laid to rest at the H-8 graveyard.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed earlier said that under the directions issued by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dr Khan was given a state funeral.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Rasheed said that the premier had directed cabinet ministers to attend the funeral. The interior minister said that the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs would also be in attendance
According to PTV, Dr Khan was admitted to an Islamabad hospital where his health deteriorated early morning. His health condition started deteriorating on Saturday night, after which he was brought to the KRL Hospital on Sunday morning.
The scientist experienced discomfort in breathing after which he was shifted to the hospital. However, his health took a turn for the worse when his lungs started bleeding.
Doctors tried their best to save the scientist's life, however, were unable to do so and he passed away. They said Dr Khan breathed his last as his lungs collapsed.
Dr Khan became a national hero overnight, not only in Pakistan but in the Islamic world as well, when in May 1998 Pakistan responded 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. For many years, Dr Khan remained away from the public eye when he was engaged in development of the nuclear programme.
Born in 1936 in Bhopal, India, Dr Khan had 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.
Politicians have expressed sorrow over the sad demise of Dr Khan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, 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 said.
President 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 said.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed showered praise on the scientist, adding that all necessary arrangements were taken to save Dr Khan's life. His body was shifted to his Islamabad residence.
Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said he was "deeply grieved" over his passing and called it a "great loss". "Pakistan will forever honour his services to the nation! The nation is heavily indebted to him for his contributions in enhancing our defence capabilities.”
Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that Dr Khan had played an important role in making the country "invincible". He also offered prayers for the deceased.
Last month, Khan had complained that neither Prime Minister Imran Khan nor any of his cabinet members inquired after his health while he was under treatment at the hospital.
According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, Dr Khan had been admitted to Khan Research Laboratories Hospital on August 26 after he tested positive for Covid-19. Later, he was shifted to a military hospital in Rawalpindi.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar prayed for Dr 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.
Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood heaped praise on the nuclear scientist, referring to him as the "pioneer of Pakistan's nuclear programme."
All the senior opposition leaders including Shehbaz Sharif, Bilawal and Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed grief over the sad demise of Dr Khan and said he would always be remembered for giving the matchless gift to Pakistan for its defence.
Shahbaz 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 said.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed showered praise on the scientist, adding that all necessary arrangements were taken to save Dr Khan's life. His body was shifted to his Islamabad residence.
