Dr Ishfaq Ahmad passes away at 87

ISLAMABAD: Nuclear physicist and former head of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad passed away on Thursday. He was 87 and left behind a wife and two sons.

He had also served as science adviser to the government and headed the PAEC when Pakistan became a nuclear power in 1998. The government acknowledged the work of Dr Ishfaq and other institutions on a number of occasions. Sitara-e-Imtiaz was conferred upon Dr Ishfaq in 1989 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 1995.

In 1998, he received Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his services to the country. He was also awarded gold medallion by the Institute of Leadership and Management in Lahore the same year.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on behalf of the entire nation, expressed deepest condolences over the death of eminent scientist.

Dr. Ishfaq played leading role in the achievement of Pakistan’s nuclear capability and development of the nuclear programme.

He also pioneered and led various important programmes in nuclear power, agriculture, health care, research and development, including the establishment of various cancer treatment centres in Pakistan.

He played a key role in establishing Pakistan’s civilian nuclear power plants at Chashma and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).

Dr Ishfaq Ahmad served as Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) (1991-2001), Senior Member PAEC (1988-1991), Member PAEC (1976-1988), Director Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Sciences and Technology (PINSTECH) (1971-1976) and Director Atomic Energy Centre (AEC), Lahore (1969-1971).

Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, Opposition Leader Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt. Gen Sarfraz Sattar, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Muhammad Naeem and several prominent national figures sent condolence messages to the bereaved family. Dr Ishfaq was suffering from pneumonia and was receiving medical treatment.