ISLAMABAD – 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, his funeral prayers were offered at Faisal mosque, which was attended by Acting President Sadiq Sanjrani, Federal Ministers, parliamentarians, civil and military officers and a large number of the general public.
Dr Abdul Qadir was admitted to a local hospital where he passed away this morning after his health deteriorated.
He was 85.
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have expressed sorrow over the demise of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.
In their separate messages, they prayed for the high ranks of the departed soul and also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
The President on his Twitter handle said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan helped to develop the nation-saving nuclear deterrence.
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his tweet message said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was loved by the nation for his critical contribution in making Pakistan a nuclear weapon state. He said this has provided us security against an aggressive and much larger nuclear neighbour.
The Prime Minister said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was a national icon for the people of Pakistan.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Minister for Defence Pervaiz Khattak, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister of State for Information Farrukh Habib, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood and other cabinet members and parliamentarians have also expressed grief and sorrow.
Political leaders including PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Awami National Party Asfandyar Wali Khan also expressed grief over the sad demise of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.
In their separate messages today, they paid rich tribute to the departed soul and acknowledged the contributions of the great atomic scientist in making Pakistan’s defence impregnable.
