Tributes paid to late scientist Dr Ishfaq Ahmad

SWABI: Speakers at a reference arranged here on Thursday praised late famed scientist Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, a former chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, for his contributions to the country.

The reference was organized at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology. Dr Ishfaq Ahmad passed away on January 18 in Islamabad.

The reference was attended by his close associate scientists and academia of the GIK Institute.

Engr. Jehangir Bashar, Rector GIK Institute, was present on the occasion as well.

The speakers said Dr Ishfaq remained PAEC chairman between 1991 to 2001. He was also instrumental in establishing various cancer treatment centres and played a key role in establishing Pakistan’s civil nuclear plants at Chashma and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).

They recalled that in 1962, on the request of (late) Prof. Dr Abdus Salam (a Nobel Laureate), Dr Ishfaq joined PAEC as a senior scientist. During his distinguished scientific career of over 60 years, he held several important positions, including PAEC chairman.

Dr. Pervez Butt, a former chairman of the PAEC, said Dr Ishfaq had contributed enormously in making the PAEC a great institution and he had worked for the motherland with devotion and determination.

Engr. Shamsul Mulk, President of Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan, said it was contribution of Dr Ishfaq Ahmad and various other Pakistan scientists that Pakistan had got the potential and capacity to become a leading power.

Dr Shaukat Hameed Khan, a renowned physicist and colleague of Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, said he had created the best working environment at the PAEC to deliver according to the needs and requirements of Pakistan’s security.

Dr Zaigham Habib, senior advisor, National Disaster Management, authority who also worked with Dr Ishfaq, said he had encouraged, supported and guided them in a very crucial stage and his role in drafting Pakistan climate change policy was extraordinary.