Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was laid to rest in Islamabad

Renowned nuclear scientist and national icon Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was laid to rest in Islamabad on Sunday.

His funeral prayers, led by Prof Dr Ahmed Al Ghazali, were held at the Faisal Mosque at 3:30pm.

A large number of people were in attendance during the funeral prayers, despite rain which began to pour shortly after 3pm.

Among those who attended the funeral were cabinet members, parliamentarians and the military leadership.

Two separate enclosures were arranged within the mosque premises, of which one expressly catered to the general public.

Khan, 85, passed away early Sunday morning after his health deteriorated.

His health started deteriorating Saturday night, after which he was brought to the KRL hospital Sunday morning in an ambulance, at 6am.

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 but were unable to do so, resulting in his death at 7:04am. Doctors have said he passed away after his lungs collapsed.

In recognition of his outstanding services for the country and the nation, the government announced a state funeral for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the national flag of Pakistan shall fly at half-mast on Sunday.

Speaking to Geo News earlier, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed said that Dr AQ Khan will be buried at the H-8 graveyard, in accordance with his family's as well as his own wishes.

"We have directed the district administration to prepare a grave at the H-8 graveyard before 3pm," he said.

The minister said that previously a grave had been prepared at the Faisal Mosque premises "but now, in accordance with his will" he will be buried at the H-8 graveyard.

Funeral prayers in absentia for the renowned scientist were held in various cities across Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, Mardan, Gujrat, Peshawar, Jhang and Hyderabad.

In Bahawalpur Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Sirajul Haq led the prayers.

In Hyderabad, MQM Pakistan held prayers in absentia. A rally scheduled to be held in the city was postponed.