Rana Sanaullah, political adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has sparked controversy by downplaying Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan’s status as a national hero.
In a recent televised interview, the senior PML-N leader argued that while Dr. Khan contributed scientifically, the true heroes of Pakistan’s nuclear program are the political leaders who decided to conduct the nuclear tests.
Sanaullah stated that a hero is someone who shows courage in action, not just in research, and credited former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for making the bold decision to carry out the tests in 1998. He acknowledged that the nuclear program was initiated by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto but maintained that Sharif’s leadership was what ultimately demonstrated Pakistan’s nuclear capability to the world.
His remarks have drawn criticism from those who view Dr. A.Q. Khan, widely known as the father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb, as a national icon and symbol of scientific achievement.
The remarks appear to directly challenge the long-held national perception of Dr Khan as a nuclear icon and hero. Rana Sanaullah further criticized narratives suggesting Nawaz Sharif hesitated before conducting the 1998 nuclear tests. “It is sheer jealousy and hatred that makes some say Nawaz Sharif didn’t want to go through with the tests. The fact remains—he was the Prime Minister, and he made the call.”
