Father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme’ Abdul Qadeer Khan dies

Father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme’ Abdul Qadeer Khan dies
Pakistani atomic scientist died after being transferred to the hospital with lung problems.
Pakistan nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan was lauded for bringing the nation up to par with archrival India [File: Mian Khursheed/Reuters]
10 Oct 2021
Abdul Qadeer Khan, revered as the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, has died at 85.
The Pakistani atomic scientist, hailed as a national hero for making his country the world’s first Islamic nuclear power but regarded by the West as a dangerous renegade responsible for smuggling technology to rogue states, was transferred to hospital with lung problems, state-run PTV said.Abdul Qadeer Khan: Nuclear hero in Pakistan, villain to the West
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Khan had been admitted to the same hospital in August after contracting the coronavirus.

After being permitted to return home several weeks ago, he was transferred back after his condition deteriorated.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said on Twitter that an urgent meeting “was called.. to finalise arrangements for the funeral ceremony”.

Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi said he was “deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan”, whom he had known personally since 1982