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ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on Sunday finalised all arrangements concerning the funeral prayers and burial of architect of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and renowned scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.
Talking to journalists, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has announced that under the directions issued by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan would be given a state funeral.
Rashid further said that the premier had also directed cabinet ministers to attend the funeral. The interior minister said that the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs would also be in attendance.
Read More: PM, President express condolences over passing of Dr AQ Khan
The federal minister announced that the funeral prayers will be held at Faisal Mosque at 3:30pm. “The general public will be allowed to attend,” he said. In this regard, Rashid said he had also directed law enforcement agencies and the Islamabad commissioner to make security arrangements.
The minister said two graves were being prepared, one at Faisal Mosque and one at Islamabad’s H-8 graveyard. He later said his family decided that as per his will he will be buried at the H-8 graveyard. Rashid added Dr Khan will be buried with all-State Honors and national flag will fly at half-mast.
Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away in Islamabad on Sunday morning at the age of 85. The family of the nuclear physicist has confirmed his passing, saying he was shifted to a hospital in critical care after his health deteriorated.
Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s health worsened on Saturday night, after which he was brought to the KRL hospital due to lung’s problem. Doctors attempted to save the scientist’s life but were unsuccessful.
Dr AQ Khan is considered the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and is revered at home as a hero for building the Muslim world’s first atomic bomb.