Members of the Pakistani community in Qatar have expressed their heartfelt grief over the demise of Pakistan’s nuclear physicist and metallurgical engineer Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who passed away in Islamabad on October 10.
Fondly remembered as the Father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme, Dr Khan was given state funeral before being laid to rest at a graveyard in Islamabad. He had been bestowed with several medals and honours by the federal government and universities in Pakistan. He remains the only citizen of Pakistan to have been honoured twice with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence). Here are excerpts of tributes from the Pakistani community:
Idrees Anwar
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme, will be remembered for his passion for science and innovation and his contribution as an eminent scientist, administrator, educationist and writer. His achievements as a leader of Pakistan’s defence research vastly enhanced the safety and security of our beloved country. He will always live in our hearts as a national hero.
Riyaz Ahmed Bakali
Balance of power is one of the important tools for long lasting peace in this world. Research and development, innovation, inventions and technology development are open to intellectuals. Dr AQ Khan, as a wise research intellectual, provided peace to the world by balancing the power in the region by virtue of enabling atomic technology for Pakistan. His research and development has created a memorable history in the modern world.
Anwar Ali Rana
Pakistan has lost a true benefactor who served the motherland with heart and soul. He made Pakistan invincible with his hard work and dedication and made Pakistan’s defence a leaden wall. Dr Khan was also known for his social welfare work and he supported various NGOs. He led a very simple life, loved humanity, and shared the pain of the people.
Habib Sheikh
Dr AQ Khan was a national hero and a patriotic son who will always remain in our hearts. His services towards making Pakistan’s defence invincible is a great achievement for which he will always be remembered in the history.
Ali Zulqarnain
Dr AQ Khan will always be remembered as a metaphor of self-sacrifice, determination and fortitude. We grew up with his heroic image in our minds for providing deterrence to our motherland. Being a humble person, he will always stay alive in our hearts for his untiring charity work.
Warda Rana
I am extremely saddened on the demise of Dr AQ Khan. He was a true patriot. His contributions made us stand proud and strong. A standing ovation to our hero for giving us strength and power with grace. The nation will always be indebted to him for his services.
Parvez Iqbal
Dr AQ Khan was a pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and credited for contributing immensely to our security. He was one of the country’s biggest assets. He was hero and will always remain our hearts.
Hafeez Ullah
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s contributions to our nation are unparalleled and as a nuclear scientist, he was among the best in the world. He was a close friend of mine and I am deeply saddened on his demise. I have lots of fond memories, which I will cherish forever. His death is a huge loss to Pakistan in particular and to the global scientific community in general.
Haroon Qureshi
After Father of the Nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Dr AQ Khan will always be remembered in the history of Pakistan for making us the seventh atomic power in world and first in the Islamic world. Thanks to his foresightedness, Pakistan is placed among premiere band of nations who possess nuclear capabilities.
Abdul Rab
Dr AQ Khan’s death is not only a loss for Pakistan but also for the entire Muslim world. He will always be remembered for his invaluable services to strengthen Pakistan’s defence capabilities and for making us proud on achieving the unique status of the only Muslim nuclear power. He will always remain in our hearts.
Abdul Samad
Bangash
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan will always remain in our hearts because it was due to him that we proudly call ourselves a nuclear power. He dedicated his life for Pakistan. He has guaranteed security for the coming generations of Pakistan.
Qaiser Anwar
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is a man taller than any tribute. He was an iconic figure who left his mark on history by providing an unassailable security shield to Pakistan. He was energetic, innovative, full of ideas and a man of faith.
Adeel Akbar
Dr AQ Khan’s death is a huge loss for Pakistan. We need many more dedicated scientists like him. Pakistan will always be indebted to him for his services towards the nation. His contributions have made us stand proud and strong. He rendered invaluable services to strengthen Pakistan.
Sardar Hassan Raza
The father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme was a true patriot and the nation will always be indebted to him for his services to our country. We owe a lot to our hero for giving us strength and power with grace.
Khalid Sajjad Bhatti
Dr AQ Khan was the most renowned personality of Pakistan. He was not only a great scientist but also a great researcher, poet, and above all, a great lover of his faith, Islam. His love for Islam increased when he read the literature of Abul Ala Moudidi. It was all the love for his nation and his religion that made him to do what he did. He could have lived a comfortable life abroad but he left everything for the sake of his homeland.
Sana Safyan
Dr AQ Khan was a great scientist and an asset for Pakistan. He transformed Pakistan into the world’s first Islamic nuclear state. Loving animals was his way of proving his love for humanity and nature. He has left his mark on history by providing an unassailable security shield to Pakistan.
Eng Asif Memon
Dr AQ Khan’s contributions have made us stand proud and strong by because he made our country’s defence invincible. The Pakistani Diaspora in Qatar is deeply saddened over his demise.
Dr Abdulaziz Zafar
The nation has lost its brave son. A true patriot who gave the power of existence to our beloved country. A thorough gentleman, down to earth personality and a high class educationist who would not let go any opportunity to improve the image and status of our country. He will be remembered as the second founding father of Pakistan.
Imran Rafique
Dr AQ Khan was a true national hero who earned respect for us among the comity of nations. The attendance of a large number of people at his funeral is a testament to the love he enjoyed among people.
Samia Tayyab
We are indebted to Dr AQ Khan for giving us a sense of security and pride. He was the pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. He was our national hero who dedicated his entire life for our country.
Ikram Butt
We have not only lost a patriotic but a precious gem. The Pakistani nation will remain indebted to him for his role in making Pakistan a first nuclear state in the Islamic World as he was pioneer in making our country’s defence impregnable.
Dr Ali Malik
I do not see anyone else in the recent times who did anything closer to what Dr Khan did for Pakistan. He is no doubt a national hero and will remain one forever. His legacy will continue to impress and influence generations to come. It would be a fitting tribute if a major national science university or a research centre is established on his name.
Shahida Khan
The man who guaranteed security to the coming generations of Pakistan is not among us now. Dr AQ Khan was the asset for the nation. I pray to the almighty Allah to place him in the higher ranks in the paradise.
Kashif Javed Khan
Dr AQ Khan is alive in the hearts of millions of Pakistanis and the nation will remember him as a benefactor par excellence. He was a national icon for the people of Pakistan and we will never forget his meritorious services for the nation.
Atiq ur Rasheed
Dr AQ Khan, a great patriotic son of Pakistan and our national hero, contributed immensely to our security. The Pakistani nation will always be indebted to him and his services will never be forgotten. May Allah grant him highest place in jannah.
Shahid Mehmood
Bhatti
I am deeply saddened to learn that Dr AQ Khan, the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, is no more with us. It is really a great loss for the country. He is our national icon for transforming Pakistan into the world’s first Islamic nuclear weapons power. His legacy will remain with us forever.
Tahir Jamil
He was a great scientist and patriot. He saw the dream of making Pakistan a nuclear power and he did it successfully. We salute him and pray that Allah may grant him a higher place in jannah.
Fondly remembered as the Father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme, Dr Khan was given state funeral before being laid to rest at a graveyard in Islamabad. He had been bestowed with several medals and honours by the federal government and universities in Pakistan. He remains the only citizen of Pakistan to have been honoured twice with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence). Here are excerpts of tributes from the Pakistani community:
Idrees Anwar
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, Father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme, will be remembered for his passion for science and innovation and his contribution as an eminent scientist, administrator, educationist and writer. His achievements as a leader of Pakistan’s defence research vastly enhanced the safety and security of our beloved country. He will always live in our hearts as a national hero.
Riyaz Ahmed Bakali
Balance of power is one of the important tools for long lasting peace in this world. Research and development, innovation, inventions and technology development are open to intellectuals. Dr AQ Khan, as a wise research intellectual, provided peace to the world by balancing the power in the region by virtue of enabling atomic technology for Pakistan. His research and development has created a memorable history in the modern world.
Anwar Ali Rana
Pakistan has lost a true benefactor who served the motherland with heart and soul. He made Pakistan invincible with his hard work and dedication and made Pakistan’s defence a leaden wall. Dr Khan was also known for his social welfare work and he supported various NGOs. He led a very simple life, loved humanity, and shared the pain of the people.
Habib Sheikh
Dr AQ Khan was a national hero and a patriotic son who will always remain in our hearts. His services towards making Pakistan’s defence invincible is a great achievement for which he will always be remembered in the history.
Ali Zulqarnain
Dr AQ Khan will always be remembered as a metaphor of self-sacrifice, determination and fortitude. We grew up with his heroic image in our minds for providing deterrence to our motherland. Being a humble person, he will always stay alive in our hearts for his untiring charity work.
Warda Rana
I am extremely saddened on the demise of Dr AQ Khan. He was a true patriot. His contributions made us stand proud and strong. A standing ovation to our hero for giving us strength and power with grace. The nation will always be indebted to him for his services.
Parvez Iqbal
Dr AQ Khan was a pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and credited for contributing immensely to our security. He was one of the country’s biggest assets. He was hero and will always remain our hearts.
Hafeez Ullah
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s contributions to our nation are unparalleled and as a nuclear scientist, he was among the best in the world. He was a close friend of mine and I am deeply saddened on his demise. I have lots of fond memories, which I will cherish forever. His death is a huge loss to Pakistan in particular and to the global scientific community in general.
Haroon Qureshi
After Father of the Nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Dr AQ Khan will always be remembered in the history of Pakistan for making us the seventh atomic power in world and first in the Islamic world. Thanks to his foresightedness, Pakistan is placed among premiere band of nations who possess nuclear capabilities.
Abdul Rab
Dr AQ Khan’s death is not only a loss for Pakistan but also for the entire Muslim world. He will always be remembered for his invaluable services to strengthen Pakistan’s defence capabilities and for making us proud on achieving the unique status of the only Muslim nuclear power. He will always remain in our hearts.
Abdul Samad
Bangash
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan will always remain in our hearts because it was due to him that we proudly call ourselves a nuclear power. He dedicated his life for Pakistan. He has guaranteed security for the coming generations of Pakistan.
Qaiser Anwar
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is a man taller than any tribute. He was an iconic figure who left his mark on history by providing an unassailable security shield to Pakistan. He was energetic, innovative, full of ideas and a man of faith.
Adeel Akbar
Dr AQ Khan’s death is a huge loss for Pakistan. We need many more dedicated scientists like him. Pakistan will always be indebted to him for his services towards the nation. His contributions have made us stand proud and strong. He rendered invaluable services to strengthen Pakistan.
Sardar Hassan Raza
The father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme was a true patriot and the nation will always be indebted to him for his services to our country. We owe a lot to our hero for giving us strength and power with grace.
Khalid Sajjad Bhatti
Dr AQ Khan was the most renowned personality of Pakistan. He was not only a great scientist but also a great researcher, poet, and above all, a great lover of his faith, Islam. His love for Islam increased when he read the literature of Abul Ala Moudidi. It was all the love for his nation and his religion that made him to do what he did. He could have lived a comfortable life abroad but he left everything for the sake of his homeland.
Sana Safyan
Dr AQ Khan was a great scientist and an asset for Pakistan. He transformed Pakistan into the world’s first Islamic nuclear state. Loving animals was his way of proving his love for humanity and nature. He has left his mark on history by providing an unassailable security shield to Pakistan.
Eng Asif Memon
Dr AQ Khan’s contributions have made us stand proud and strong by because he made our country’s defence invincible. The Pakistani Diaspora in Qatar is deeply saddened over his demise.
Dr Abdulaziz Zafar
The nation has lost its brave son. A true patriot who gave the power of existence to our beloved country. A thorough gentleman, down to earth personality and a high class educationist who would not let go any opportunity to improve the image and status of our country. He will be remembered as the second founding father of Pakistan.
Imran Rafique
Dr AQ Khan was a true national hero who earned respect for us among the comity of nations. The attendance of a large number of people at his funeral is a testament to the love he enjoyed among people.
Samia Tayyab
We are indebted to Dr AQ Khan for giving us a sense of security and pride. He was the pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. He was our national hero who dedicated his entire life for our country.
Ikram Butt
We have not only lost a patriotic but a precious gem. The Pakistani nation will remain indebted to him for his role in making Pakistan a first nuclear state in the Islamic World as he was pioneer in making our country’s defence impregnable.
Dr Ali Malik
I do not see anyone else in the recent times who did anything closer to what Dr Khan did for Pakistan. He is no doubt a national hero and will remain one forever. His legacy will continue to impress and influence generations to come. It would be a fitting tribute if a major national science university or a research centre is established on his name.
Shahida Khan
The man who guaranteed security to the coming generations of Pakistan is not among us now. Dr AQ Khan was the asset for the nation. I pray to the almighty Allah to place him in the higher ranks in the paradise.
Kashif Javed Khan
Dr AQ Khan is alive in the hearts of millions of Pakistanis and the nation will remember him as a benefactor par excellence. He was a national icon for the people of Pakistan and we will never forget his meritorious services for the nation.
Atiq ur Rasheed
Dr AQ Khan, a great patriotic son of Pakistan and our national hero, contributed immensely to our security. The Pakistani nation will always be indebted to him and his services will never be forgotten. May Allah grant him highest place in jannah.
Shahid Mehmood
Bhatti
I am deeply saddened to learn that Dr AQ Khan, the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, is no more with us. It is really a great loss for the country. He is our national icon for transforming Pakistan into the world’s first Islamic nuclear weapons power. His legacy will remain with us forever.
Tahir Jamil
He was a great scientist and patriot. He saw the dream of making Pakistan a nuclear power and he did it successfully. We salute him and pray that Allah may grant him a higher place in jannah.