Diplomats, nuclear scientists, and politicians in a function here paid glowing tributes to (late) Dr Munir Ahmed Khan for his vision, patriotism, and contribution to Pakistan's nuclear programme. Dr Munir Khan had been the chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) from 1972-91, and also worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 13 years. He died six years ago in Vienna. In a reference held to pay tributes to Dr Munir Khan, speakers, who remained associated with him in different capacities recalled their experiences of working with him.
PM's Advisor Dr Ashfaqe Ahmed lauded the services of (late) Dr Munir Ahmed Khan. "He will certainly live in our hearts," he remarked.
He said the entire nation was behind Pakistan's nuclear programme, and every government and political party and Armed Forces supported the programme which made Pakistan a nuclear power.
He said Dr Munir Khan always implemented the merit in the organisation, and focused on the training of the manpower in the organisation, adding the present government has put in place a strong command and control system.
The Advisor to the Prime Minister called upon the scientists to follow in the footprints of Dr Munir.
He said Dr Munir was against giving any irresponsible statement by scientists in the press, likely to "create problems for Pakistan's nuclear programme."
Dr Inam-ur-Rehman who spent 28 years with Dr Munir eulogised his commitment to training and education of young Pakistani scientists.
Dr Munir Khan was the main force behind the creation of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PEAS), he added.
Another nuclear scientist Dr N.M. Butt described him as the seasoned nuclear diplomat who worked quietly and with responsibility, saying that Dr Munir successfully fought a case for a nuclear option for the country.
Senator Farhatullah Babar said Dr Munir would be remembered for his splendid achievements. He described him as a "great patriot" who rose to the occasion, following a nuclear test by India in 1974 to meet the challenges.
Terming him as the "nuclear sage of Pakistan," Babar said Dr Munir Khan refrained from touting his personal contribution as he was opposed to advertising the country's nuclear capability.
Former foreign secretary Niaz A. Naik lauded Dr Munir for his role in building Pakistan into a nuclear power, saying the late scientist worked with responsibility and determination.
Paying tributes to him for his vision and farsightedness, Naik said that Dr Munir Ahmed Khan was the first to warn the world about the impending testing of nuclear device by India.
He recalled that the American scientists and UN officials some 10 years later admitted that had they heeded Dr Munir's warning, the world would have been a different place today.
Former foreign minister Abdul Sattar said the death of Dr Munir Khan was an "irreparable loss" to the country, adding that Dr Munir Khan was among the very few of the visionary persons who had conceived nuclear option for Pakistan as a must for survival a long time ago.
Dr Samar Mubarak Mand also appreciated the services of Dr Munir Khan for the cause of Pakistan nuclear programme.
He gave the scientists and subordinates a trust and confidence and was a loyal and loving person," Dr Mand remarked.
Dr Bashir an associate of Dr Munir Khan called for establishment of Dr Munir Ahmed Khan Foundation for the development of science and technology in the country.
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