Pakistan's renowned nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away Sunday after his health deteriorated.
Dr AQ Khan is considered the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme and is revered at home as a hero for building the Muslim world's first atomic bomb.
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's health started deteriorating Saturday night, after which he was brought to the KRL hospital Sunday morning in an ambulance, at 6:00am.
Sources said the nuclear scientist experienced discomfort in breathing after which he was brought to the hospital. However, his health took a turn for the worse when his lungs started bleeding.
Doctors tried their best to save the renowned scientist's life, however, were unable to do so and he passed away at 7:04am. Doctors have said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away as his lungs collapsed.
The hospital administration is trying to make arrangements to shift Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's body to his E-7 residence. His funeral prayers will be offered at the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad at 3:30pm, said his family.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed showered praise on the scientist, adding that all necessary arrangements were taken to save Dr Qadeer's life.
When asked about the nuclear scientist's funeral, Rasheed declined to comment, saying that he would speak on the matter later.
The interior minister said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan had helped him a lot in educational activities, adding that he had remained a visionary leader in times when Pakistan was going through a sensitive time.
"He is indeed the Mohsin-e-Pakistan," said Rasheed.
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan became a national hero overnight, not only in Pakistan but in the Islamic world as well, when in May 1998 Pakistan gave a befitting response to India by conducting its nuclear tests.
Following the tests, Pakistan became the sole nuclear power in the Muslim world and the seventh country to possess nuclear weapons. Pakistan's nuclear weapons have kept Indian aggression in check.
Reactions pour in over Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's demise
Rasheed took to Twitter to post an old picture taken with the atomic scientist, praying for his forgiveness.
"May Allah provide patience to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's relatives and those who are mourning his passing," he added.
ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کے انتقال پرگہرے دکھ اورغم کا اظہار
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) October 10, 2021
اللہ تعالی محسن پاکستان کو جنت الفردوس میں اعلی ترین مقام عطا فرمائے۔
اللہ تعالی ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کے سوگواران اور لواحقین کو صبر عطا فرمائے -#drabdulqadeerkhan pic.twitter.com/yqpvg0nhal
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar prayed for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's soul after hearing about his demise.
He paid tribute to the nuclear scientist by saying that he played a key role in making Pakistan invincible.
پاکستان کو نا قابل تسخیر بنانے میں ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان نے کلیدی کردار ادا کیا. اللہ ان کو جنت الفردوس میں اعلیٰ مقام عطا فرمائے.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) October 10, 2021
Defence Minister Parvez Khattak said he was deeply grieved over the news of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passing, adding that "Pakistan will forever honour his services to the nation".
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
— Pervez Khattak (@PervezKhattakPK) October 10, 2021
Deeply grieved at the sad demise of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. Great loss! Pakistan will forever honor his services to the nation! Nation is heavily indebted to him for his contributions in enhancing our defence capabilities.
Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood heaped praise on the nuclear scientist, referring to him as the "pioneer of Pakistan's nuclear program".
"Sad to learn of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s death. He was a pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program and contributed immensely to our security. May his soul RIP," he tweeted.
Sad to learn of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s death. He was a pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program and contributed immensely to our security. May his soul RIP
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) October 10, 2021
Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan's death was a loss for the nation.
ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کی رحلت پر پوری قوم افسردہ ہے، پاکستان کیلئے ان کی خدمات ان گنت ہیں۔۔۔ خدا غریق رحمت کرے آمین
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) October 10, 2021
