Abdul Qadir Khan, founder of Pakistan Nuclear Weapons Program, dies

 

Abdul Qadir Khan, founder of Pakistan Nuclear Weapons Program, dies

Abdul Qadir Khan, the founder of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program, who was accused of smuggling technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya, died on Sunday, October 9, at the age of 85.

According to Pakistani media, the nuclear scientist, who spent the last years of his life under intense protection, was admitted to Pitwi State Hospital in the Pakistani capital Pitwi in August due to the Covid-19 virus and was allowed to return home a few weeks ago. In recent days, however, he was taken to hospital again and died on Sunday due to lung problems.

Abdul Qadir Khan is known as a national hero because of his key role in making Pakistan the first nuclear power among Islamic countries and strengthening Pakistan's position vis-.-Vis its nuclear rival, India.

But he was considered a "dangerous figure" by the West for sharing nuclear technology with Western adversaries, including Iran.