Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has asserted that his party was instrumental in making Pakistan an atomic power and in the joint development of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft with China. The ruling party has recently gone to significant lengths in claiming credit for nuclear technology, seemingly downplaying the role of nuclear physicist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, widely known as the father of Pakistan’s atomic weapons program, by stating that “he is no hero.”
In an interview, responding to a question about Dr. Khan being overlooked during the Youm-e-Takbeer celebrations on May 28 this year, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah stated that while the nuclear physicist is respected for his scientific contributions, he should not be considered a national hero. Sanaullah maintained that the true credit for Pakistan’s nuclear capability belongs to Nawaz Sharif, who made the crucial decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998. He also acknowledged the late former premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for initiating the nuclear program, but insisted that Sharif’s leadership marked the decisive moment.
On the other hand, Dr. A. Q. Khan’s widow, Hendrina Khan, has revealed that the personal cost of Pakistan’s nuclear program remains unresolved and is characterized by betrayal. Hendrina stated that her husband agreed to be the “scapegoat” for the state’s proliferation scandal after receiving guarantees from then-president Pervez Musharraf, but the latter soon broke those pledges.
Speaking to the media in London, Nawaz highlighted the economic stability achieved during his tenure, stating that the Pakistani rupee remained stable for four years and the growth rate was nearing 7%. Claiming that his party played a significant role in the development of every sector, he further credited the PML-N with introducing missile technology to the country.
The three-time prime minister’s remarks followed last month’s ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India on May 10, brokered with the assistance of US President Donald Trump, after a period of heightened military tensions. In his media interaction, Nawaz also stated that the PML-N is gradually improving the country’s condition. Without explicitly naming the PTI-led regime, he attributed the country’s worsening situation to the previous government’s policies. He expressed optimism that “everything is returning towards stability” and that “the country’s situation is improving, the economy is getting better.”
The PML-N supremo emphasized the importance of performance, stating: “People vote for work; there should be work alongside politics.” Nawaz arrived in London on June 1 for a medical check-up, having departed from Lahore on a special aircraft and reaching Luton airport — an hour outside London. He was received at the airport by officials from the Pakistan High Commission and PML-N office-bearers Ahsan Dar, Rashid Hashmi, and Khurram Butt. He is scheduled to undergo a regular medical examination during his stay and is likely to spend Eid ul Adha in London.
