Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan can not be considered “a hero” but deserves respect as a scientist.

 

In an exclusive interview with ARY News on Saturday, when asked whether Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan could be called a hero, Sanaullah responded, “He cannot be called a hero. Dr Qadeer receives the recognition he deserves.”

 

Referring to Pakistan becoming a nuclear power, he asserted that only Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif can rightfully be considered the “true hero.”

 

“It’s important to understand that several countries and scientists have developed nuclear bombs. The real achievement lies in making the decision to conduct nuclear tests and publicly declare your country an atomic power,” he explained.

 

The PML-N leader also credited former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating Pakistan’s nuclear program. He recalled that the defining moment came on May 28, 1998, when Pakistan conducted underground nuclear tests in the Chagai district of Balochistan, marking the country’s first public demonstration of nuclear capability.

 

He dismissed critics who claim Nawaz Sharif was reluctant to approve the tests, saying, “Those who claim Nawaz Sharif didn’t want to conduct the tests are blinded by jealousy and hatred.”

 

Dr Abdul Qadir Khan earned his science degree from Karachi University in 1960 and pursued metallurgical engineering in Berlin, followed by advanced studies in the Netherlands and Belgium.

 

He then joined Pakistan’s covert nuclear development and founded Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1976, serving as its chief scientist and director for many years.

 

He was awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for his services to the country.

 

Dr Khan passed away in Islamabad in October 2021 at the age of 85. He was given a state funeral at Faisal Mosque before being laid to rest in the H-8 graveyard.