Book

Dr. A.Q. Khan: Contribution to Science,
Technology and Education

Valuable Insights

By Nayab Iqbal | January 2023

Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is one of the most renowned personalities of our time. His contributions to the fields of science, technology, and development along with his lifelong services to the Pakistani nation have earned him a notable place among the most respectable men in the country. However, his contributions are not limited to scientific achievements only as Dr. A. Q, Khan was a visionary leader who inspired others to pursue excellence and achieve great results in their respective fields. Through his sheer dedication and consistent efforts, Dr. Khan transformed many a live by leaving a long-lasting impact that shall be felt and remembered by future generations, and he will always be known as someone who really made a difference for the entire nation.

Compiled and edited by Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah and Prof. Dr. Abid Azhar, the book titled ‘Dr. A.Q. Khan: Contribution to Science, Technology and Education’ is a befitting tribute to the great nuclear scientist and humanitarian who devoted his entire life to the country till his last breath. When Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away, according to the book, he left behind a legacy of scientific development and progress that will live on through his work in the field and several projects aimed at safeguarding and improving the common lives.

After his death, a condolence meeting was held at the Jinnah Auditorium of the Dr A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), at the University of Karachi. On that occasion, the organizers of the event, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza who is former Vice Chancellor at the University of Karachi, decided to compile all the speeches and articles spoken and written by Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan on the subject of science and education in particular. Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah and Prof. Dr. Abid Azhar took the responsibility of compiling and editing the book which has now been published under the title of ‘Dr. A.Q. Khan: Contribution to Science, Technology, and Education.’

In the book, such notable people as Lt. Gen (R) Moin Uddin Haider, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, and renowned scholars, including Dr. Anwar Nasim, Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah, and Prof. Dr. Abid Azhar present a detailed insight into Dr. Khan’s life and his seminal work in the fields of science, education, and technology. In their articles, the scholars shed light on Dr. Khan’s lifelong journey and his several achievements, including, but not limited to, strengthening Pakistan’s defence system that was a much-needed development at the time when enemies from within and outside the country wanted to destroy Pakistan and wipe the country from the map of the world.

All the contributors in the book acknowledge Dr. A. Q. Khan’s landmark contributions to the field of education as well as his relentless efforts to empower common people through quality education and human development. Therefore, many academic buildings and research facilities have been named after Dr. A. Q. Khan in honour of his significant contributions to the country. In addition to that, he was granted with 8 honorary degrees in Doctor of Science from different universities across Pakistan.

The book ‘Dr. A.Q. Khan: Contribution to Science, Technology and Education’ outlines his research and scientific achievements and also gives plenty of details about his numerous social welfare initiatives such as the Institute of Behavioural Sciences, which was established by Dr. Khan to provide medical assistance to people suffering from various psychological disorders. Truly a humanitarian, he was always willing to help others, no matter who they were or what they needed.

In her article, Mrs. Henny Khan, the wife of Dr. A. Q. Khan, provides a pictorial account of his early life and family background. Filled with warm memories and fascinating insights into Dr. Khan’s life, Mrs. Khan portrays his personality as a family person in place of depicting his life as the country’s leading nuclear scientist. The book has a special chapter on the nuclear programme initiated by Dr. A. Q. Khan as despite numerous obstacles on his way, he was able to complete the nuclear programme in record time.

Comprising Dr. A. Q. Khan’s different speeches coupled with many articles written on him by leading scholars and experts, the book is a valuable guide, particularly for future generations.