After being exposed to Covid, the father of the Pakistani nuclear bomb, AQ Khan, dies

ISLAMABAD – Abdul Qadeer Khan, also known as the “Father of the Nuclear Weapons Program” Pakistan ” died at the age of 85 years, Sunday (10/10). In August, Khan was hospitalized due to exposure to the Corona virus. After being discharged a few weeks ago, he was taken back to the hospital as his lung condition worsened.

The Pakistani atomic scientist was hailed as a national hero for making his country the world’s first Islamic nuclear power. Khan was also credited with bringing Pakistan on par with arch foe India on the atomic front and making its defenses “impenetrable”.

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Despite being lauded at home, Khan was once regarded by the West as a dangerous rebel. He was accused of smuggling technology into Iran, North Korea and Libya by the West.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan had lost a “national icon”. “He is loved by our nation for his critical contribution in making us a nuclear weapons state,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, whom he had known personally since 1982. Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said on Twitter that an urgent meeting was held to finalize arrangements for Khan’s funeral.

(esn)

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