New Delhi: Pakistanis are upset and angry over Prime Minister Imran Khan not attending the funeral of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the nuclear physicist regarded as the “father” of the country’s atomic bomb who passed away in Islamabad Sunday.
Despite heavy rain, thousands of people in Pakistan attended the funeral prayers of A.Q. Khan that was held at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. But PM Imran Khan only expressed condolences on his demise via a tweet. A.Q. Khan had developed complications in his lungs after recovering from Covid-19. He was 85.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr A Q Khan. He was loved by our nation bec of his critical contribution in making us a nuclear weapon state. This has provided us security against an aggressive much larger nuclear neighbour. For the people of Pakistan he was a national icon.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 10, 2021
While one user called Imran Khan “characterless”, another said he was probably threatened by the rain. Someone shared a meme showcasing Khan’s reaction.
Whole Nation: Khan sb you should attend Dr AQ Khan's funeral to honor him
Le Imran Khan:👇👇 pic.twitter.com/AZzkEq4PXT
— ڈریکٹ حوالدار® (@imranitman) October 10, 2021
وزیراعظم ہاوس اور فیصل مسجد کے مابین پانچ منٹ کا فاصلہ ہے ۔ کیا وزیراعظم آج سرکاری اعزاز کے ساتھ سپرد خاک ہونے والے محسن پاکستان ڈاکٹر قدیر کی نمازجنازہ میں شریک ہوکر ان کی زندگی کا شکوہ دور کریں گے؟۔ اگر نہیں تو کوئی ترجمان بتاسکتا ہے کہ کیوں؟۔۔۔ https://t.co/6xyjjHHyh6
— Saleem Safi (@SaleemKhanSafi) October 10, 2021
صدر اور وزیراعظم کو بارش کی طرف سے سکیورٹی تھریٹ تھی اس وجہ سے محسن پاکستان کے جنازے میں شرکت نہیں کر سکے ۔ pic.twitter.com/ObCINt0xu0
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) October 10, 2021
Another user compared Imran Khan with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out how the latter had attended the funeral of India’s nuclear scientist Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Indian PM Modi had participated in the funeral of their nuclear scientist Abdul Kalam. Pakistani PM Imran Khan did not particpate in the funeral of our nuclear scientist Dr AQ Khan.
#DrAbdulQadeerKhan pic.twitter.com/hkv1ZI0Wiv
— Sher Khan (@SherrrKhann) October 10, 2021
Imran Khan’s attitude was further analysed by comparing his decision to not attend the funeral with that of leaders like Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah, who travelled all the way to Islamabad while Imran Khan “was sitting (a) couple of kilometers away from the venue, but did not attend the funeral”.
CM Sindh @MuradAliShahPPP travelled to Islamabad to attend Namaz e Janaza and funeral of national hero Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Selected PM @ImranKhanPTI was sitting couple of kilometers away from the venue, but did not attend the funeral. pic.twitter.com/mlCp44KV54
— People's Youth Latifabad (@PYOlatifabad) October 10, 2021
If Dr AQ Khan was to be burried at H-8 Graveyard, why did Imran Khan tweet about fulfilling his wish of being burried in Faisal Mosque. IK despite being few kms away, did not attend his funeral. While ministers siding with Musharraf against AQ are showing sympathies today !
— Faizan Khan (@Faizankhaan91) October 10, 2021
While many others shamed him for the “inhumane and disrespectful act”, some demanded an explanation for his failure to attend the prayers.
I've never seen such a disgusting and Inhuman behavior from any govt that they had no time to attend the funeral of MOHSIN E PAKISTAN, DR ABDUL QADEER KHAN
Shame on you both @ImranKhanPTI
And @ArifAlvi for this act disrespectful attention and attitude.#DrAbdulQadirKhan
— THE FEAL PERFIDIOUS (@ali_naineey) October 10, 2021
Political differences aside, thank you CM @MuradAliShahPPP. I reckon you are the only Chief Minister who attended the funeral of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. What a shame for PM Imran Khan and other Chief Ministers.
— Ali (@AliHitonian) October 10, 2021
Imran Khan needs to explain his absence from the funeral of Mohsin e Pakistan Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. He was pride of Pakistan and his services for the country are incomparable. Such personalities are heroes of Pakistan and
if we ignore them history will ignore us
— Fazal ur Rehman (@Fazalur78189200) October 10, 2021
There was no communication from the PM’s office on why Imran Khan skipped the funeral. A.Q. Khan, who helped Pakistan become the seventh country in the world to acquire nuclear weapons, led a controversial life. He was accused of selling nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea, and was put under house arrest in 2004 by then President General Pervez Musharraf. He was freed by the Supreme Court in 2009.