National Hero Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Dies at 85

Pakistan’s renowned nuclear scientist and national hero, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, has died at the age of 85 in Islamabad on Sunday. Dr Qadeer had contracted COVID-19 last month and had initially remained under treatment at Al-Shifa Hospital and later the Military Hospital.

Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan had been discharged from the hospital after successful treatment for the deadly infection but last night his health condition deteriorated suddenly and he was taken to a nearby hospital where he breathed his last early morning.

According to the details, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s body has been sent to Faisal Mosque in Islamabad where is funeral prayers are being held. Two separate enclosures have been arranged, of which one will expressly cater to the general public. There are a large number of people which showed up at the funeral prayers.

State Funeral for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

In recognition of his outstanding service to the country, the government has 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.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan will be laid to rest in a cemetery in Sector H-8 as per his last will. The local administration had been directed to dig a grave in the said graveyard. Initially, a grave had been prepared at the Faisal Mosque premises.

“The prime minister has directed to bury Dr Qadeer with full [state] honours,” the interior minister said, adding that ministers were directed to attend the funeral prayers as well.

President Arif Alvi had expressed sorrow over the demise of the Dr Qadeer Khan. Taking to Twitter, the president wrote, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Had known him personally since 1982. He helped us develop nation-saving nuclear deterrence, and a grateful nation will never forget his services in this regard. May Allah bless him.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan also took to Twitter and expressed his sorrow over the death of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr A Q Khan. He was loved by our nation bec of his critical contribution in making us a nuclear weapon state. This has provided us security against an aggressive much larger nuclear neighbour. For the people of Pakistan he was a national icon.” he wrote.

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