Glowing tributes paid to late Dr Ishfaq

F.P. Report

SWABI: Speakers in a reference on Thursday held at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology for Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, former Chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and member of Board of Governors GIK Institute said that his tremendous contributions to the country as a great scientist would be remembered for ever.

Dr Ishfaq, the renowned scientist passed away on January 18 in Islamabad.

Held at GIK Agha Hasan Abidi Auditorium, the reference was attended by his closed associate scientists and academia of GIK Institute. Engr. Jehangir Bashar, Rector GIK Institute was also present on the occasion.

Speakers said that Dr Ishfaq had remained PAEC chairman (1991 to 2001).He was also instrumental in establishing various cancer treatment centers and played a key role in establishing Pakistan’s civil nuclear plants at Chashma and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), they said.

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 many important positions, including PAEC Chairman.

Dr. Pervez Butt, former Chairman of PAEC said Dr Ishfaq had contributed enormously in making the PAEC a great institution and his best quality was that he had worked for the motherland with complete devotion and determination. “He had brought young Pakistanis from abroad and groomed them to become eminent scientists”, he said. He narrated the story that how they worked in difficult circumstances and how Dr Ishaq had inspired the young scientists.

Engr. Shamsul Mulk, President of Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (SOPREST) said that it was contribution of Dr Ishfaq and various other Pakistan scientists that Pakistan had got the potential and capacity to lead the South Asian region. “No doubt, Dr Ishfaq’s contribution to GIK Institute was tremendous. We are proud of it,” he remarked.

Dr Shaukat Hameed Khan, a renowned physicist and colleague of Dr Ishfaq said that he had created the best working environment in 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.

Engr. Jehangir Bashar, Rector GIK Institute said that Pakistan has lost a towering figure, an internationally known scientist, who did so much for the country. “GIK Institute benefited immensely from his experience, wisdom and intellect. We lost a guide, and a benefactor. Our memories of his legacy would live on,” he said. At the end they prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.