LAHORE - The key scientist behind Pakistan’s nuclear programme, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, was declined permission to visit a public sector university for what official sources say security reasons.
The attitude of the educational institution shocked the nuclear scientist and he has reportedly developed psychological disorder.
The Lahore College for Women University vice chancellor declined a request made by Dr Khan to visit the institution for research purposes.
The VC also passed a strict order to the director administration to ensure the compliance. Official sources told The Nation that Dr Khan wanted to visit the LCWU Chemistry department on August 19 for some research purposes and to discuss research synopsis with the Head of Chemistry department Prof Dr Bushra Khan and In-charge faculty of Natural Sciences.
Sources said that Dr Khan contacted the concerned department for permission on August 18. The head of department wrote a letter to VC Dr Uzma Quraishi for final permission, a copy of which is also available with this paper.
VC Dr Quraishi is posted on look after charge as the appointment of a permanent one is under process in the Higher Education Department.
Dr Quraishi duly declined the request of the Chemistry head of department. Citing reasons, the VC wrote: “Due to the security reasons, the request is declined. Please submit a detailed note on the nature of the research project, time, venue and other members who suggested to attend.”
The visit is postponed for aforementioned reasons, the VC wrote on the letter.
A faculty member of the varsity told this correspondent requesting anonymity that besides research purposes, Dr Qadeer Khan wanted to attend defense of her daughter-in-law thesis, who is an MPhil scholar in the same university.
It was universally acknowledged right of any body and common practice among comity of nations that any scholar could attend the thesis defence activity. The university administrations facilitate participation of such scholars. The VC declined Dr AQ Khan’s request on the supposition that the low standards of the varsity education would be exposed by the legendry scientist.
“The university suffers severe shortage of officers and lacks proper administration and transparent examination system,” the teacher complained.
Even the Controller of Examinations and Registrar, two key posts are on additional charge while Treasurer another important office was executing his duties without formal approval of the government and the auditor general office has also reportedly raised objections on his working.
Moreover, telling the sad story, she said that the VC also flatly refused Dr Qadeer Khan’s request to award transcript and the degree for his daughter-in-law who reportedly wanted to apply for doctorate in any foreign university.
The original documents were drastically needed to her for admission abroad. Then the process of preparing the transcript was delayed raising one objection or the other. Ultimately, on the interference of the CM Office and the governor the result certificates were handed over to the candidate.
What happened with the Dr Khan was unbelievable by closing doors of the varsity on a famous scientist, the professor further said. After Dr Khan’s insult what is future of the research in Pakistan. Had Dr AQ Khan been allowed to attend the defence of his daughter-in-law or visit laboratories and libraries of the university, the true picture of sad state of affairs would become public.
She said India honoured its nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Kalam, offered him the top slot of the country, the presidentship but here we ignored a noble scientist. Dr Khan was not only a scientist but a great teacher who ennobled a nation with his worthy wisdom.
The VC instead of blocking the request of the scientist should have facilitated him or invite him to visit and honor the campus and deliver a lecture let alone his research work, the faculty member added.
Dr Qadeer Khan is national hero, who would live beyond the limits of time and space. His services rendered for the country would remain immortal, the teacher while paying tribute to him said.
Dr A Q Khan was not available for his version. However, a close friend of Dr Khan told this reporter that after this incident, the scientist suffered severe psychological disorder.
LCWU VC Dr Uzma Quraishi could not be reached on her office contact but her cell number was not available.