PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan played an important part in developing Pakistan’s atomic bomb, but said he should not be called a “hero.”

In a recent interview, Sanaullah stated, “The credit for initiating Pakistan’s nuclear programme goes to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. However, starting a programme and developing it are not as significant as reaching the moment when a state declares itself a nuclear power through a successful test.”

He explained that the most important moment for Pakistan’s nuclear power came on May 28, 1998, when nuclear tests were carried out under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“Had that moment not come then, it might still have been delayed to this day,” he stated.

In response to some claims that Nawaz Sharif did not want to conduct the nuclear tests, he denied them. “How could the Prime Minister of the country oppose it? These claims are made out of jealousy,” he said.

Sanaullah said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan received the credit he deserved. He added, “He will always be remembered for his role. However, he cannot be given the title of a leader or called a hero. If anyone deserves to be called the hero of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, it is Nawaz Sharif.”