The Dr AQ Khan death anniversary is being observed today, October 10, as the Muslim world remembers the renowned scientist, honoured in Pakistan as Mohsin-e-Pakistan, five years after his passing. According to Radio Pakistan, he made Pakistan’s defence invincible by making it the first nuclear power of the Muslim world and the seventh in the world.
From Bhopal to Kahuta
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was born on April 1, 1936, in Bhopal, British India. After migrating, he earned a BSc in physics from the University of Karachi and in 1972 received a doctorate in metallurgical engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
According to Dawn, after India’s nuclear test in 1974 he founded the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1976. His work led to the successful nuclear tests at Chagai in Balochistan on May 28, 1998, giving a Muslim nation nuclear deterrence.
Honours and farewell
In recognition of his services he received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 1989 and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz twice, in 1996 and 1998. He passed away in Islamabad on October 10, 2021, aged 85. According to Dawn, he was given a state funeral at Faisal Mosque and, as per his will, laid to rest at the H-8 graveyard.
Ummat News reported that condolence gatherings are being held today by political and social organisations in various cities, with special prayers offered for his soul.
May Allah grant Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan forgiveness and a high place in Jannat al-Firdaus. Ameen.
Sources: Radio Pakistan, Ummat News, Dawn, Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Wikipedia
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